Authorities say the Marine could face criminal charges, disciplinary action from the Corps, and steep TSA fines after officers discovered a live explosive in his luggage—an incident now under intensive review.
Kehinde Adegoke | People
A U.S. Marine was detained at Palm Springs International Airport in California after Transportation Security Administration officers uncovered a live explosive device in his luggage—an alarming discovery that could lead to criminal charges, military discipline, and steep civil penalties as the investigation intensifies.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 31, at the Palm Springs International Airport, according to a social media press release from the Palm Springs Police Department.
Authorities say TSA personnel found what was later confirmed to be a live 25mm explosive round during a routine screening of checked luggage. The discovery then prompted responses from TSA, the police department, the Riverside County Explosive Ordnance (EOD) Team, and military authorities.
During the initial investigation, the traveller told officers he had found the ordnance while in the field about one year ago, the police said in the press release. He allegedly kept it, the police added, thinking it was not live.
The police department writes: “Due to extensive rust and corrosion, the round’s original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device.
However, “out of an abundance of caution,” they left the item undisturbed and left the Riverside County EOD team to respond. The county officials later determined, through X-ray technology, that the explosive was in fact live and not a training round.
The marine was then detained during the investigation. The police department submitted the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for review of a potential violation of California Penal Code section 18710, relating to the possession of a destructive device.
The department notes he may also face administrative action by the Marine Corps and a potential civil penalty through the TSA. He was eventually released to military authorities.
The explosive itself was “safely removed” from the airport and transported to a remote area off the Gene Autry Trail, which is located just south of Interstate 10.
In a 30-second video shared on social media, authorities detonate the explosive in the desert area. Authorities report the device was destroyed without incident, and no injuries were reported.
PEOPLE has reached out to TSA, the Marine Corps, and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for comment.