TSA stops gun at South Bend International Airport

SOUTH BEND – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at South Bend International Airport (SBN) prevented a passenger from bringing a handgun onto their flight on Sunday.

During the routine screening of carry-on luggage about 5:45 a.m., a TSA officer spotted the image of a handgun and immediately alerted South Bend International Airports Department of Public Safety. An officer arrived and took possession of the bag. The firearm was loaded with 13 rounds, none chambered.

“As summer travel picks up, these incidents present a danger to our dedicated workforce, and the traveling public,” Acting Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Kevin Bidwell said. “We encourage all travelers to know the exact location of their firearm at all times and to pack their luggage starting with a completely empty bag to ensure no prohibited items are accidentally brought to the checkpoint.”

This was the third firearm stopped at an SBN checkpoint this year. In 2022, 11 firearms were detected at SBN.

TSA recently 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.