Live Explosive Discovered in Marine’s Luggage at Palm Springs Airport
U.S. Marine Detained at Palm Springs Airport Over Live Explosive Device
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. – A U.S. Marine was detained at Palm Springs International Airport on Monday after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents discovered a live 25mm explosive round in his checked luggage.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Ryan Weaver from Henderson, Texas, informed investigators he had kept the item for a year after finding it in a field, mistakenly believing it to be a non-explosive training round.
The incident occurred around noon during a routine baggage screening. TSA personnel identified the ordnance, which was heavily corroded and lacked identifiable markings. As a result, the Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was summoned to assess the device.
Using X-ray technology, specialists confirmed the round was indeed live, prompting a safe disposal operation in a nearby desert area.
In a statement, the Palm Springs Police Department noted that "[d]uring the investigation, the suspect told officers he had found the ordnance in the field approximately a year earlier and kept it, believing it was not live." The police also highlighted that the "extensive rust and corrosion" made it challenging to assess the round’s status by visual inspection alone.
The case is now being submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for a potential violation of California Penal Code section 18710, which relates to the possession of destructive devices. Weaver may also face administrative repercussions from the U.S. Marine Corps as well as civil penalties from the TSA.
