Viral
TSA Finds Bizarre Wolverine-Style Weapon in Airport Carry-On: ‘Never Seen Anything Like This’
Airport security officers in Seattle have likely seen their share of unusual items, but a recent discovery inside a passenger’s carry-on bag left even seasoned TSA employees stunned.
In a report published Tuesday, October 27, playfully titled “Claw-some Catch in Seattle,” the TSA described how officer Douglas Linn spotted three sharp, claw-like blades while reviewing an X-ray image of a passenger’s carry-on bag at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The unusual weapon resembled a cross between Marvel character Wolverine’s claws and the bladed glove Freddy Krueger wears in A Nightmare on Elm Street. “I saw three blades and distinct claw-like features,” Linn said in the release.
“I was amazed, and even more so when it came out of the bag. I have never seen anything like this during my two years at TSA.”
Fellow TSA officer Dennis Oishi searched the passenger’s bag and confirmed the prohibited object’s presence.
Supervisory officer Ann Rhoades, who has worked for the agency for seven years, described the discovery as one of the strangest of her career.
“My first thought was, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and my second thought was, ‘Is this what I think it is?'” she recalled.
Rhoades said the passenger seemed uncertain when questioned about his luggage.
“When Dennis asked the passenger if there was anything sharp in the bag, he said he wasn’t sure. Obviously, there was,” she said in the official report.
The passenger voluntarily surrendered the object at the security checkpoint, according to CBS News.
Seattle TSA Federal Security Director Robert Spinden praised the officers for preventing the blades from entering the secure area.
“Their actions prevented a prohibited item from moving beyond the checkpoint and reinforced the importance of careful screening, clear coordination and calm execution,” he said.
In their report, TSA also reminded travelers that sharp blades must be packed in checked luggage rather than carried aboard aircraft.
Travelers can find more information about restrictions on sharp objects on the TSA’s official website.
