US Marine Detained After Explosive Round Found in Checked Bag

Authorities confirm live 25mm round discovered during TSA screening at Palm Springs airport

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a heavily textured and corroded 25mm explosive round, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The discovery of a live explosive round in a passenger's checked bag at the airport raises serious security concerns and highlights the importance of thorough TSA screening.Palm Springs Today

A U.S. Marine was detained at Palm Springs International Airport after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel discovered a live 25mm explosive round in his checked luggage. The Marine claimed he had found the round in the field about a year ago and kept it, unaware it was still live. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team confirmed the round was live and destroyed it in a controlled explosion.

Why it matters

The discovery of a live explosive round in a passenger's checked bag at the airport raises serious security concerns and highlights the importance of thorough TSA screening procedures to identify and remove any potentially dangerous items from flights. This incident also underscores the need for proper handling and disposal of military ordnance by service members.

The details

According to police, the Marine told investigators he had found the 25mm round 'in the field' about a year ago and kept it, thinking it wasn't live. However, due to extensive rust and corrosion, the round's original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team used X-ray technology to confirm the round was live and then transported it to a desert area near Interstate 10 where it was safely destroyed.

  • The live explosive round was discovered during TSA screening at Palm Springs International Airport on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team destroyed the live round in a controlled explosion later that day.

The players

U.S. Marine

A member of the U.S. Marine Corps who was detained at Palm Springs International Airport after a live 25mm explosive round was found in his checked luggage.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening, which discovered the live explosive round in the Marine's checked bag.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team

The specialized law enforcement unit that confirmed the round was live and safely destroyed it in a controlled explosion.

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What they’re saying

“Due to extensive rust and corrosion, the round's original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device.”

— Palm Springs Police Department

What’s next

The case has been submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for a review of potential violations and criminal charges against the Marine. The Marine was released to military authorities and could face administrative action by the Marine Corps, as well as a potential civil penalty through the TSA.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical role of TSA screening procedures in identifying and removing any potentially dangerous items from flights, as well as the importance of proper handling and disposal of military ordnance by service members to ensure public safety.