This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) on May 19. (TSA photo)
INDIANAPOLIS —Transportation Security Administration officers at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) discovered four firearms at security checkpoints in separate incidents over five days, bringing the total detected at the airport to 18 this year.
The firearms were stopped in incidents on Monday, May 19; Sunday, May 18; Friday, May 16; and Thursday, May 15. All four were loaded. In all cases, the Indianapolis Airport Authority police were alerted, responded to the checkpoint, and confiscated the weapon.
“While we’re pleased that overall this year, passengers are bringing fewer firearms to IND checkpoints, these recent incidents are troubling,” Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt said. “As we look ahead to our summer travel season, we strongly encourage passengers to pack smart and start with an empty bag. Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint is a careless, expensive mistake that increases risks to passengers and airport employees.”
In 2024, officers detected 78 firearms at IND.
Individuals who bring their gun to a security checkpoint also face a federal financial civil penalty. 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.