Bomb Parts Found in Checked Bag
Terminal Madness
October 24, 2007
Transportation Security Officers at Ontario International Airport's Terminal 2 made the find of a life time last week, when the baggage x-ray machine they operated hit on an item in a passenger's checked bag. Upon further inspection, the security officers discovered various wires, batteries, timers and a radio in the bag - a telltale sign of a possible improvised explosive device, or IED.
Security officers immediately called a TSA Bomb Appraisal Officer to the scene to assess the situation. Federal Security Director Shannon Garcia-Hamilton was impressed with the work of the TSOs, but also the BAO program. "Without the bomb appraisal officer, this find would have resulted in the immediate evacuation of the area and the establishment of a 300-foot perimeter until the items were cleared, effectively halting baggage screening operations." Law enforcement officers were also called to the scene and worked collaboratively with TSA personnel to determine if these items posed a threat.
Fortunately, in this case, there was no threat to the aircraft. Law enforcement personnel interviewed the passenger and learned he was an IED Instructor working for the Department of Defense. He relinquished his items to officers and admitted he packed them thinking they would get through without a problem.
According to Bob Heady, an Ontario Airport Bomb Appraisal Officer, this find was huge. “These are exactly the threat items we're looking for,” he said. "It's exactly the reason we train so hard on finding IED components."
TSA Traveler Tip #1
When packing both carry-on and checked bags, keep in mind that items you consider commonplace and harmless could show up as potential threats in security x-ray machines. Leave all unnecessary cords, batteries, or remote control toys, and belt buckles shaped like guns or hand grenades at home.
TSA Traveler Tip #2
If you work in a medical, scientific or other profession that requires you to travel with items that could be classified as a prohibited item (rock specimens, chemicals, electronics, etc.), please check the list of prohibited items to determine if the items should be placed in a checked bag or shipped separately. This will help you avoid being sent for additional screening or having to surrender your items at the checkpoint.
