Transportation Security Administration officers found a bladed claw accessory inside a carry-on bag during screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the agency said. The item was discovered during an X-ray examination in August and was later surrendered by the passenger at the checkpoint.
TSA officer Douglas Linn spotted the object while the bag was being screened. The agency described the item as resembling a combination of fictional claw weapons associated with Wolverine and Freddy Krueger. TSA said the object contained three blades and distinct claw-shaped features.
“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 made the comments in a statement released by TSA this week. Officer Dennis Oishi then searched the carry-on and removed the item safely, according to the agency.
What happened at the checkpoint
Oishi asked the passenger whether the bag contained anything sharp. TSA said the passenger initially answered no, then immediately remembered the claws after Oishi took them out of the carry-on. The passenger voluntarily abandoned the item at the security checkpoint.
TSA said the discovery was an example of the kinds of sharp objects that can be identified through carry-on screening. The agency characterized the accessory as a dangerous bladed item rather than a costume piece that could be taken through the checkpoint.
- The item was found during X-ray screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- TSA identified three blades and claw-like features.
- The passenger surrendered the accessory at the checkpoint.
Travelers carrying unusual accessories or props should check the applicable security rules before arriving at an airport. TSA screening officers may inspect carry-on bags when X-ray images reveal a sharp or otherwise prohibited object, as happened in this case.
The discovery involved an unidentified passenger. TSA officers Linn and Oishi were identified by the agency in photographs and statements about the screening operation.
