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TSA officers found a spent M18 smoke grenade hidden inside an aerosol container in a passenger’s carry-on at Watertown International Airport in upstate New York. A TSA explosives expert confirmed the grenade was not live, according to a Fox News report published October 2, 2026, citing a TSA release dated September 24.
How TSA officers found the grenade
TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez was monitoring the X-ray machine when an aerosol container in the bag looked unusual. She alerted Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam. “I called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam and told her I did not have a good feeling about it,” Alvarez said, according to Fox News.
Graffam said the top of the container appeared unusual, though it seemed empty. She checked a side pocket of the bag and found the grenade inside. “It was located in the side pocket of the bag, so I opened it and saw it was an M18 smoke grenade,” she said.
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Acting supervisor Debra Alcock contacted the Syracuse TSA Coordination Center and a TSA explosives expert, who determined the grenade was not live. The passenger reportedly said he had forgotten it was in the bag. Fox News did not identify the passenger or report a charge or final enforcement outcome.
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Can you bring a spent grenade on a plane?
No. TSA’s stated guidance is that spent, inert, and replica explosive items are not allowed through airport checkpoints. The fact that an item is not live does not make it permissible to bring through screening. For current packing guidance, check TSA resources, including TSA.gov, before traveling.
Brian Bushnell, TSA’s federal security director for upstate New York airports, said: “Spent, inert or replica explosive items are not allowed through the checkpoint and can cause delays, disrupt operations and prompt a law enforcement response.” He advised: “When in doubt, travelers should leave the item at home or check TSA’s resources, such as TSA.gov, before packing.” Fox News attributed both statements to Bushnell in relaying a TSA statement.
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What happens when screening finds a prohibited item?
This account describes officers inspecting the bag and consulting a TSA explosives expert to determine whether the grenade was live. Bushnell said prohibited explosive items can delay travelers, disrupt operations, and prompt a law-enforcement response. The report does not establish what enforcement action, if any, followed in this case, so it does not support a conclusion about charges or penalties.
A separate incident at Tampa
Fox News also mentioned a different recent case at Tampa International Airport: a four-inch, double-edged knife concealed inside a baseball-bat-shaped flashlight. That was a separate incident involving a different item and airport, not part of the Watertown screening.
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- Luggage Set with Backpack : UKEIN luggage set includes 20 inch carry on luggage, a 18 inch travel backpack and a toiletry bag. The Carry On Suitcase with wheels is sized to fit in overhead bins or underseat. The travel backpack is designed with a back sleeve that attaches to a retractable luggage handle. Large capacity and fully equipped to meet your different travel needs.
- Easy to Maneuver : Silent Dual Spinner wheels rotate 360°, providing superior maneuverability and a smooth glide in every direction. Thanks to the smooth-rolling wheels of suitcase, even when fully loaded, it's a breeze to maneuver through crowded airports and busy streets without feeling fatigued or strained.
- TSA Lock and Alloy Zipper ：The Built-in TSA lock does not have to be forced open and damaged during inspection. It ensures the safety of your valuables and facilitates your passage through security. The alloy zippers allow travelers to effortlessly open and close their luggage, which adds a safety and convenience to the entire trip.
- Magic Large Space : Interior zippered divider panels keep contents separated and secure. One compartment of this carry on luggage with cross straps to keep your things in place and one fully enclosed with a zippered panel, mesh bags and dry&wet separation bag for easy organization,and the travel bag has multiple functional pockets to meet different travel needs.
- Hardshell Suitcase : This Carry on luggage set is crafted from Polycarbonate (PC) exterior offers extreme durability with a texture that reduces the visibility of scratches. Details such as the ergonomic 3-level retractable easy-grip top handle, and the double soft rubber carry handles bring maximum comfort and an easy carrying experience.
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