TSA discovers ‘anti-aircraft ammunition’ in checked bag at Honolulu airport

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - TSA agents at the Honolulu airport had to evacuate a checked baggage room last Friday morning after an “anti-aircraft round of ammunition” was found in a luggage.

It happened around 5:30 a.m. when TSA’s security screening x-ray technology flagged a checked bag for a potential security threat. TSA officers and an agency explosive specialist reviewed the x-ray image of the item and notified law enforcement.

The Hawaii State Sheriffs, Honolulu Police Department bomb squad and U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal responded to the incident and out of an abundance of caution evacuated the room.

Officials said the suspicious item was identified as a 50 caliber anti-aircraft round of ammunition, which is prohibited from flying in either carry-on or checked bags.

New images released by TSA shows it was hidden in a coffee-filled thermos.

TSA said the item was removed from the area and all operations returned to normal around 7:30 a.m.

A 52-year-old man was arrested, TSA officials said.

By law, TSA is required to screen all checked baggage for potential security threats. If an item is deemed suspicious, TSA has an established protocol to resolve the threat in partnership with airport law enforcement.

Note: TSA officials initially reported that the suspicious item was a .50 caliber. They have clarified that the item is a 50 caliber anti-aircraft round on Tuesday.

This story may be updated.