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TSA agents at LAX discover replica guns, knives and more in women’s carry-on luggage, officials say

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TSA agents at LAX discover replica guns, knives and more in women’s carry-on luggage, officials say

TSA agents at Los Angeles International Airport found knives, replica firearms and more in what the security agency has described as an “extremely concerning” discovery in a woman’s carry-on luggage, officials said Friday.

The collection of dozens of prohibited items that agents discovered as the woman passed through security at LAX’s Terminal 4 for a flight to Philadelphia on Sunday evening “surprised even the longest-serving and most experienced TSA officer,” the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement. The bag was flagged for inspection after undergoing a routine X-ray examination.

“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” Jason Pantages, federal security director for LAX TSA, said in the statement.

82 consumer-grade fireworks, two replica guns, three knives and a container of pepper spray were found in the passenger’s bag, leading officers to call airport police who then interviewed the woman and called in a bomb squad, TSA said.

Bomb squad investigators seized the fireworks, which the TSA says should never be allowed on an airplane anywhere. However, the security service said knives and replica firearms can catch a flight, but only if they are packed in checked luggage.

TSA noted that pepper spray can be carried in carry-on luggage, but must be limited to one 4-use container with a safety mechanism that protects against accidental discharge. There are also other restrictions, which may depend on the airline involved.

“Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent tear gas by mass are prohibited in checked baggage,” the TSA statement says. “Some airlines do not allow the carriage of pepper spray, so travelers are encouraged to contact their individual airline.”

Given the busy holiday season, as AAA predicts will reach record highs nationwideTSA officials said the incident should serve as a reminder to passengers about what they can and cannot bring on board flights and what steps should be taken before flying.

“This traveler should have followed TSA’s time-tested advice: unpack your bag before packing it to ensure you don’t bring any prohibited items into the security checkpoint,” the TSA statement said.

No other details have been released, including whether the woman was detained or taken into custody.

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