INDIANAPOLIS - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered two prohibited items at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) checkpoints Sunday.
At approximately 6:20 a.m., during the x-ray of a passenger’s backpack, a loaded Glock 27 firearm and ammo were found. TSA officers requested assistance from the airport police department, who took possession of the firearm and the ammo. The Indianapolis man, upon questioning, stated he forgot the firearm was in his possession. The security checkpoint remained open while police escorted the man away and cited him for having the weapon at a TSA security checkpoint.
Just two hours later, at approximately 8:40 a.m., TSA screening officers noticed what appeared to be a toy gun during their x-ray screening procedures. The officers found an airsoft gun belonging to a young passenger. The parent of the young passenger did not know the airsoft gun was in the carry-on bag. The toy was abandoned and the passengers were allowed to continue through the checkpoint.
“Our TSA officers continue to remain sharp and vigilant,” said Federal Security Director Aaron Batt. “Our agents will continue to follow their screening procedures to keep our passengers safe.”
Those who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges. In addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,333 for weapons violations. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100. The complete list of penalties is posted online. Guns are prohibited items in airports and in the passenger
compartments of airplanes, even with state-issued concealed firearm permits.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared to the airline. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and may be packed with the ammunition separate inside the case. Squirt guns, Nerf guns, toy swords, or other items that resemble realistic firearms or weapons are prohibited. TSA officers have the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint if they believe it poses a security threat.
In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/civil-enforcement
For more information about TSA prohibited items, please follow these links:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition