TSA seizes two loaded handguns from passenger at South Bend airport

Transportation Security Administration officers at South Bend International Airport prevented a man from Shipshewana from passing the security checkpoint with two loaded handguns.

Just after 6 a.m. Tuesday, a TSA officer spotted an image of two handguns while screening carry-on luggage.

A St. Joseph County Airport Public Safety officer took possession of the bag.

TSA says the man, from Shipshewana, had a concealed carry permit.

"Bringing a gun to a security checkpoint is a serious offense,” Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt said. “Not only is it illegal to carry a gun through a security checkpoint, but it is also disruptive to the security operation. It delays the travelers in line when a gun is detected. Travelers should know better than to make such a careless and costly mistake."

The TSA can impose civil penalties of up to $13,910 per violation. A typical first offense will include a fine of $4,100.

The TSA said the two guns were the 8th and 9th firearms seized so far this year. In 2021, five firearms were found at the South Bend airport.