In a surprising incident at Gulf Shores International Airport in Alabama, TSA officers discovered five Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger's checked bag on July 18, 2026. The discovery was made during a routine baggage screening when lead TSA officer Justin Dupree noticed large opaque items on the X-ray screen, initially mistaking them for a medicine ball. Upon further inspection, he realized the items were cannonballs, which raised immediate safety concerns due to their classification as artillery munitions. Dupree quickly alerted his supervisor, Richard Cash, who confirmed the potential danger and called in regional explosives specialists and local law enforcement for assistance.
The cannonballs were wrapped in paper towels and varied in size, with the larger ones being approximately the size of grapefruits. The TSA officers were unable to determine if the cannonballs were inert or live explosives, which heightened the urgency of the situation. This marked a rare occurrence for the airport, as it was only the second incident involving a potentially live explosive since the airport's opening in May 2025. The officers acted swiftly to ensure the safety of the aircraft and passengers, demonstrating their commitment to security.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the cannonballs had been stolen from Fort Morgan, a historic site in Gasque, Alabama. A juvenile had taken the artifacts from a storage area within the fort, and they were being transported in the checked bag of the juvenile's grandmother. The grandmother claimed she was unaware that the items were stolen. Fortunately, the director of Fort Morgan decided not to press charges, leading to no further legal action. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance in airport security and the need for travelers to be aware of the items they carry.
TSA Alabama Federal Security Director Tara Corse expressed pride in the teamwork displayed by Officers Dupree and Cash during the incident. She emphasized that even inert items should not be brought to airports, as they can cause security alerts and safety concerns. The discovery of the cannonballs serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by TSA officers and the importance of thorough baggage screening in maintaining airport security.
