U.S. Marine Detained After Live Explosive Found in Baggage at Palm Springs Airport

A U.S. Marine was detained at Palm Springs International Airport on Monday after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel discovered a live 25 mm explosive round in his checked luggage, according to police.

The incident unfolded during the standard screening process for checked baggage. The Palm Springs Police Department reported that the round was heavily rusted and corroded, with no visible identifying paint markings left, complicating efforts to determine whether it was an inert training device or an active explosive.

The Marine told investigators that he found the round “in the field” about a year earlier and had kept it, mistakenly believing it was not live.

Authorities called in the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, which utilized X-ray technology to confirm that the round was indeed live. The ordnance team transported the live round to a remote desert area near Interstate 10, where it was safely destroyed. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Following the discovery, police said the case had been submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for review regarding potential violations and criminal charges. The Marine was released to military authorities and could face administrative action from the Marine Corps as well as a possible civil penalty from the TSA, police added.

As of Tuesday, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, the Marine Corps, and the TSA had not yet responded to requests for comment. The case remains under review.