TSA intercepts four guns in one week at Indianapolis International Airport

Local Press Release

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger's carry-on bag at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in on Jan. 24. (TSA photo)

INDIANAPOLIS -Transportation Security Administration officers at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) stopped a loaded handgun on Tuesday, Jan. 24 - the fourth firearm stopped at an IND checkpoint in the last seven days.

TSA officers detected the gun in a carry-on bag in the checkpoint X-ray machine, and the Indiana Airport Authority police were alerted. Police responded to the checkpoint and confiscated the weapon.

"It's disturbing that so many Indianapolis passengers have made the irresponsible decision to bring a firearm to the checkpoint in just the first month of the year," said Aaron Batt, TSA's Federal Security Director for Indiana. "Our TSA officers continue to do an outstanding job detecting these weapons, but any time dangerous items are presented in the checkpoint, we have serious safety concerns for all in the area, and the resolution disrupts the screening process for the passengers waiting behind the offender. Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried."

Two firearms were stopped at IND checkpoints on Sunday, Jan. 22. Another was stopped on Thursday, Jan. 19. Like the firearm that was detected Tuesday, all three of these were loaded. So far, TSA officers have stopped 10 firearms at IND checkpoints. In 2022, 68 firearms were stopped over the entire year.

Last month TSA announced that the penalty for bringing weapons to the airport increased and can reach as high as $14,950, depending on the circumstances. TSA determines the penalty amount for a violation based on the circumstances in each case. TSA will continue to revoke TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years for passengers caught with a firearm in their possession.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should check for firearm laws in the jurisdictions they are flying to and from.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.