U.S. Marine Detained After Live Explosive Discovered at Palm Springs Airport
A U.S. Marine has been detained after authorities discovered a live explosive round inside his luggage at an airport in California, raising serious security concerns.
According to police, the servicemember — identified as Ryan Weaver — was stopped at Palm Springs International Airport after officers from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) detected a suspicious object during routine screening.
Law enforcement officials said the item was a 25mm explosive round found in Weaver’s checked baggage. Authorities were immediately alerted, prompting a rapid response from bomb disposal experts.
Weaver reportedly told officers he had found the device about a year ago and believed it to be inert. Due to its rusty and corroded condition, it was initially difficult to determine whether the object was a harmless training device or an active explosive.
The Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called in to assess the situation. After conducting X-ray analysis, officials confirmed that the round was indeed a live high-explosive device.
For safety reasons, the device was transported to a remote desert location, where it was safely detonated.
Authorities said Weaver was detained at the scene but later released into military custody. The case will now be reviewed by prosecutors, and he could face charges related to possession of a destructive device.
In addition to potential criminal charges, officials noted that he may also face disciplinary action from the military and possible civil penalties.
The incident highlights the strict security protocols at U.S. airports and the serious consequences of transporting prohibited and dangerous items.
