TSA: Lines Backed Up After Replica Firearm Got Through BWI-Marshall Security Checkpoint

By WBAL TV
Posted on 08/12/22 | News Source: WBAL TV

A replica firearm found during screening of carry-on bags was taken into a secure area of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport early Friday morning, officials said.

Transportation Security Administration officials told 11 News that TSA sounded an alarm around 4:40 a.m. when a carry-on bag was identified for additional inspection but was picked up and taken into the terminal.

"When the bag came out of the scanner, the passenger retrieved the bag, which contained a prohibited item, and continued to his gate," TSA representative Sonny Lorrius told 11 News in an e-mail.

TSA said officers found the passenger and confirmed the prohibited item was a replica firearm.

TSA said authorities detained the passenger for additional questioning.

The TSA and people on Twitter said there were flight delays Friday morning at BWI-Marshall. Video shows long lines at a TSA screening checkpoint.

By noon, the airport's website indicated security line wait times were down to a minute.