A U.S. Marine faced detention at a California airport when Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents discovered a live 25 mm explosive round within his checked baggage, according to local police reports.

Discovery at Palm Springs International Airport

The discovery occurred on Monday during the routine screening process for checked luggage at Palm Springs International Airport. The Palm Springs Police Department issued a news release detailing the incident.

The Marine informed investigators that he had found the round approximately one year prior while "in the field." He admitted to keeping the item, operating under the mistaken belief that it was not live ammunition.

Ordnance Identification and Disposal

Police stated that the round exhibited significant rust and corrosion. This deterioration had obscured the original identifying paint markings, making it challenging to immediately confirm if it was an inert training munition or a functional explosive device.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was called in to assess the situation. They utilized X-ray technology to definitively confirm that the item was, in fact, a live round.

Following confirmation, the team safely transported the explosive to a desert location near Interstate 10, where it was successfully destroyed. Authorities confirmed that no injuries resulted from the incident.

Legal and Military Repercussions

The Palm Springs Police Department has forwarded the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. This action is for a review concerning potential criminal charges and violations.

The Marine was subsequently released into the custody of military authorities. Police indicated that the individual might face administrative consequences from the Marine Corps, in addition to a potential civil penalty levied by the TSA.