Contact Us

Actor Mike Epps apologizes after TSA seizes gun at airport

Published March 10,2023
Subscribe

Actor and comedian Mike Epps has apologized to fans after security at Indianapolis International Airport.

Agents from the Transportation Security Administration called airport police Sunday morning after finding a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber pistol loaded with four rounds in Epps' backpack.

Epps, an Indianapolis native who was in town for a comedy show at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, was not arrested, but police took the firearm.

In a a video posted on , Epps told fans he "had a long night" in his hometown and forgot about the firearm. He said he carries a gun for protection.

"Shoutout to all my fans out there and wanna apologize if you're seeing any negativity about a gun charge at an airport. I had a long night, I had a show in my hometown and I literally forgot that I had my pistol in my bag," Epps said in the video.

"Now if you wanna know why I carry a gun, I carry money all the time, I be having jewelry on, and these dudes is out here robbing people.

"So I wanna make sure I make it clear that I ain't out here doing nothing wrong but I keep a gun on me because I gotta protect myself. Sometimes I'm not with my security. So just wanna let y'all know that I'm still on some positive vibes. And sorry that it happened. All I can tell you is that the world is crazy. Stay strapped."

No charges have been filed against Epps.

Epps has starred in movies including "The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2," "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next." He appears in the upcoming Marvel movie "Madame Web" starring Dakota Johnson, and the Apple TV+ series "Lady in the Lake" starring Natalie Portman.