Traveler at Seattle Airport allegedly forgets what he packed in his carry-on. Then TSA agents spot an object they’ve never seen in 2 years: ‘Oh my gosh’

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), two officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport came across an unusual discovery while performing routine security screening. They came across an item in a passenger’s luggage that looked like “something out of a superhero-versus-horror movie crossover.”

Officers Douglas Linn and Dennis Oishi spotted the strange object while reviewing X-ray images at a security checkpoint. “I saw three blades and distinct claw-like features,” claimed Linn. After noticing its unusual shape, they searched the passenger’s carry-on bag and discovered an apparatus resembling a combination of Wolverine’s claws from Marvel and the blades worn by Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street. “I have never seen anything like this during my two years at TSA,” he said.

The agency shared photos of the discovery in a post on X, using a few superhero-inspired puns to get its message across. “Not a Marvel-ous idea in your carry-on bag. Adamantium-tally our SEA officers were amazed to see this image roll across their X-ray screen,” the TSA wrote, adding that travelers should pack such items in checked baggage instead.

The situation was resolved quickly

After Oishi searched the bag and removed the item, the passenger reportedly said he had forgotten it was in his luggage. He then voluntarily abandoned the blades at the TSA’s security checkpoint. However, when Oishi asked the passenger earlier if there were any sharp items in the bag, he allegedly wasn’t sure what he had packed.

Ann Rhoades, a supervisory TSA officer, also described the discovery as one of the most unusual items she had encountered during her seven years with the agency. “My first thought was, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and my second thought was,’ Is this what I think it is?’” Rhoades said.

The SEA TSA Federal Security Director Robert Spinden commended the teamwork and efforts of the two officers involved. “Their actions prevented a prohibited item from moving beyond the checkpoint and reinforced the importance of careful screening, clear coordination, and calm execution. I’m proud of their attention to detail and their commitment to keeping the traveling public safe,” he said.

According to the TSA guidelines, “any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. These items are required to be placed in checked bags with or without blades.” Such items can include box cutters, knives, disposable razors, knitting needles, and more.