Transportation Security Administration officers screening carry-on bags at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport discovered a weapon resembling the retractable claws from the “Wolverine” films, combined with blade-like features reminiscent of Freddy Krueger, TSA said.
The object turned up during a routine X-ray screening when officers spotted an unusual shape on the scanner. TSA officer Douglas Linn, who first noticed the item, described what he saw in a report published on the agency’s website on Oct. 27.
“I saw three blades and distinct claw-like features. 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,” Linn said.
Officer Dennis Oishi, serving as the property search officer, carried out a physical search of the bag and confirmed a dangerous item was inside after asking the passenger whether anything sharp was packed.
Supervisory TSA Officer Ann Rhoades, who responded to the scene, said the discovery stood out even among her years of experience.
“In my seven years with TSA, this is one of the most unusual items I have encountered. My first thought was, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and my second thought was, ‘Is this what I think it is?'” Rhoades said. “When Dennis asked the passenger if there was anything sharp in the bag, he said he wasn’t sure. Obviously, there was.”
The passenger voluntarily took the object out of the bag once officers asked about it, according to TSA. The agency also shared details of the find in a post on Instagram.
Robert Spinden, Seattle TSA’s federal security director, credited the officers for catching the item before it could pass through the checkpoint.
“Officers Linn and Oishi demonstrated the vigilance, teamwork and professionalism that define TSA’s mission every day. Their actions prevented a prohibited item from moving beyond the checkpoint and reinforced the importance of careful screening, clear coordination and calm execution. I’m proud of their attention to detail and their commitment to keeping the traveling public safe,” Spinden said.
Other recent unusual finds
The Seattle discovery follows a string of odd items TSA officers have flagged elsewhere in recent months. At Watertown International Airport in upstate New York, officers found a spent smoke grenade hidden inside an aerosol container in a passenger’s carry-on bag, according to a Sept. 24 TSA release.
At Tampa International Airport, officers discovered a 4-inch, double-edged knife concealed inside a flashlight shaped like a baseball bat. TSA Officer Andrew Carter flagged the item after noticing the flashlight looked unusual on an X-ray scan.
“The makeup and composition of the flashlight appeared unusual and outside what I typically expect, so I determined it required further examination,” Carter said.
Supervisory TSA Officer Michael Slaughter then searched the bag by hand and felt a mass beneath its lining. After opening the lining, he found the flashlight and noticed a seam running along its shaft.
“That is when it detached from the flashlight, revealing a 4-inch, double-edged knife integrated into the handle,” Slaughter said.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login