This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
On July 29, 2019, a bizarre incident occurred at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, where US transport security officers confiscated a missile launcher from a checked bag.
A Texas man, who claimed to be an active military personnel, told officials that he was bringing the launcher back from Kuwait as a souvenir.
However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made it clear that military weapons are not permitted in checked or carry-on bags.
The TSA issued a statement on the incident, saying that the launcher was confiscated and handed over to the state fire marshal for safe disposal.
The man was permitted to catch his flight, but the incident raises questions about the security measures in place at US airports.
According to the manufacturer, Raytheon, the Griffin missile is a 'precise, low-collateral-damage weapon for irregular warfare operations.'
But the TSA was quick to point out that the missile's launcher cannot be integrated into luggage.
