Five Civilized War-era cannonballs discovered in a traveler’s luggage at Gulf Shores International Airport triggered a major security response on July 18, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The artifacts, traced back to the historic Fort Morgan in Alabama, were stolen by a minor and packed into a grandmother’s suitcase without her knowledge, federal officials and police reports confirm.
TSA Security Scare at Gulf Shores International Airport
Airport security protocols shifted to high alert when screeners identified heavy, spherical objects inside a passenger’s bag during routine baggage screening. According to NBC News, a TSA screener operating the X-ray machine initially mistook the historic ordnance for medicine balls.
TSA officer Justin Dupree pulled the bag for closer inspection after the scan revealed five small cannonballs wrapped securely in paper towels. The largest of the items measured roughly the size of a grapefruit, placing airport personnel on immediate alert for potential explosives.
TSA officer Justin Dupree said in a public statement reported by NBC News that the first thing he thought was that he couldn’t see any fuse and needed help immediately.
Dupree noted that while security personnel frequently encounter inactive grenades and training ammunition, running into a stolen historical artifact mirrored an “Indiana Jones-aktig situasjon” rather than a standard prohibited item detection. Local police departments were immediately dispatched to the terminal to evaluate the threat.
Theft Origins at Fort Morgan
Police officers dispatched to the terminal quickly determined that the five cannonballs posed no active explosive threat. However, the investigation rapidly pivoted from aviation security to property theft when authorities traced the ordnance back to Fort Morgan.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the removal of the artifacts was carried out by a minor. The underage individual reportedly took the Civil War projectiles from a storage room located on the historic fort’s grounds before placing them directly into the traveler’s luggage.
Did You Know?
Law enforcement questioned the owner of the luggage, who stated that she was entirely unaware the heavy metal spheres were packed inside her belongings. Because the passenger had no knowledge of the illicit cargo, and following cooperation with local authorities, Fort Morgan officials opted against filing formal criminal charges.
Recovery and Return of Historical Ordnance
Following the police clearance, the stolen relics were secured by authorities.
According to updates provided on the incident, all five cannonballs have since been recovered and returned to their proper location at the Alabama historic site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the Civil War cannonballs found?
The cannonballs were discovered inside a passenger’s luggage during baggage screening at Gulf Shores International Airport in Alabama.
Who took the artifacts from Fort Morgan?
According to the Associated Press, a minor removed the five cannonballs from a storage room at the historic fort and placed them in the luggage.
Did the passenger know the cannonballs were in the bag?
No. Police confirmed that the grandmother who owned the luggage stated she had no knowledge the stolen items were packed inside her bag.
Were the cannonballs dangerous?
While TSA officers initially feared the objects were explosive, responding police officers quickly determined that the recovered cannonballs were completely harmless.
Stay Updated on Aviation and Security News
Never miss a breaking security report or historical discovery. Explore our latest articles or share your thoughts on this unusual airport recovery in the comments below.