Summary
- A record-breaking 75 firearms have been seized by TSA at Indianapolis International Airport this year, surpassing the previous record of 74 in 2021.
- Three loaded firearms were discovered in separate incidents at security checkpoints, prompting airport police to confiscate them.
- Travelers can legally transport firearms in checked baggage if they follow TSA rules, but violating these rules could result in large fines and a loss of TSA PreCheck privileges.
A record-setting number of firearms have been seized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The firearm count for this year reached 75 total guns confiscated – this breaks the previous record, which was set in 2021, of 74 guns confiscated during the entirety of the year.
TSA security measures in place
The Indianapolis airport found three firearms in one day this past weekend. TSA officials discovered the guns at security checkpoints on Sunday, September 24. The findings were split into two separate incidents throughout the day.
The first incident occurred at 6:20 local time. The second incident occurred at 9:00 local time. All three of the discovered weapons were loaded. The Indianapolis Airport Authority police were notified of each of the incidents, and the police confiscated all firearms.
Photo: Indianapolis International Airport
The three discovered weapons bring the total number of firearms discovered to 75 this calendar year, with three months left for the number to increase. In 2021, security officials at the airport found 74 firearms; last year, TSA officials found only 68 firearms.
In a news release, the Indiana TSA Federal Security Director, Aaron Batt, spoke about the year-over-year increase in firearms found. Batt said,
“It’s troubling that we’ve set an all-time record for firearms stopped at the checkpoint with more than three months still left in the year. In addition to the serious safety risk these incidents pose, they also slow down the screening process for all passengers when we’re forced to temporarily close down a lane. I urge passengers to think twice before they leave the house about what they’re bringing in their carry-on bags.”
The Indianapolis Airport Authority did not immediately respond for comment.
Traveling with firearms
TSA has implemented several rules that allow passengers to travel with a firearm. However, not following these strict rules can result in possible fines. The penalty for bringing a firearm through security in a carry-on bag could result in a firearm violation with a fine of as much as $14,950. The violation could also result in the TSA revoking a passenger’s ability to receive TSA PreCheck for up to five years.
It is, however, possible to travel with a firearm in checked baggage. Passengers can bring the firearm in a bag if it is unloaded and packed separately from ammunition. The weapon also must be placed in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter. Other parts, such as clips, bolts, or other firearm accessories, must be packed in the checked back and are prohibited from carry-on bags. Firearm possession laws vary from state to state, so the TSA recommends verifying firearm laws before traveling.
Still the best mid-size airport in the US
The news of the firearm findings comes just days after the airport announced it was the top medium-sized airport in the United States. The JD Power Award resulted from an in-depth survey about airports across the US.
Photo: Indianapolis International Airport
The JD Power survey examined terminal facilities, airport arrivals and departures, baggage claims, security checkpoints, check-in procedures, and food, beverage, and retail options in each airport surveyed. This award is the sixth time IND has been ranked the best airport in customer satisfaction in the US.
Do you ever travel with firearms? How have you found the experience with the TSA? Let us know in the comments.