Marine Arrested at Palm Springs Airport with Live Explosive Round in Luggage

Authorities say the Marine claimed he found the round a year ago and believed it was inert.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a live 25mm explosive round, its metallic surface and details sharply illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the discovery of a dangerous item in an airport passenger's luggage.A live explosive round discovered in a Marine's checked luggage at Palm Springs International Airport raises concerns about airport security and the proper handling of military munitions.Palm Springs Today

A U.S. Marine was detained at Palm Springs International Airport after Transportation Security Administration workers discovered a live 25mm explosive round in his checked luggage. The Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit confirmed the round was live via X-ray, and it was later destroyed in a controlled detonation.

Why it matters

The discovery of a live explosive round in an airport passenger's luggage raises serious concerns about airport security and the potential risks posed by improperly handled military munitions. This incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance and robust protocols to ensure the safety of air travelers.

The details

According to authorities, the TSA discovered the live round during a routine inspection of the Marine's checked baggage at around 12:05 pm PDT. The round was extensively rusted and lacked original identifying markings, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device. The Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was called in and confirmed the round was live via X-ray. The round was then transported to a remote desert area and destroyed in a controlled detonation.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, March 30, 2026 at around 12:05 pm PDT.
  • The live round was discovered during a routine TSA inspection of the Marine's checked luggage.
  • The Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit inspected and confirmed the round was live via X-ray.
  • The round was transported to a remote desert area and destroyed in a controlled detonation.

The players

U.S. Marine

A member of the U.S. Marine Corps who was traveling through Palm Springs International Airport with a live explosive round in his checked luggage.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports, which discovered the live round during a routine inspection of the Marine's checked baggage.

Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit

The specialized law enforcement team that was called in to inspect and confirm the live status of the explosive round found in the Marine's luggage.

Palm Springs Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that coordinated the response to the discovery of the live explosive round at the airport.

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What they’re saying

“The Marine told investigators that he had found the round in a field a year earlier and kept it, believing it was inert.”

— U.S. Marine

What’s next

The Palm Springs Police Department said it will be submitting the case to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for review for possible criminal charges. The Marine may also face administrative action by the Marine Corps and a civil penalty through the TSA.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of proper handling and disposal of military munitions, even those believed to be inert. It also underscores the need for heightened security measures and vigilance at airports to protect the safety of air travelers.