Authorities found a rocket launcher at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Thursday, just days after discovering a missile launcher in a different passenger’s luggage at the same airport.
Maryland’s Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Bomb Squad, along with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Maryland Transportation Authority officials, recovered a launch tube Thursday morning in the American Airlines baggage area, the fire marshal’s office said in a statement.
{mosads}A U.S. Air Force sergeant was trying to bring back the empty rocket launch tube as a souvenir from military service abroad, according to the fire marshal.
While the tube was empty and didn’t pose an immediate threat, officials said there was a “slight chance” it could contain pressurized gas.
The state fire marshal’s bomb squad said it took possession of the launch tube and plans to return it to its owner.
“While it is not uncommon for military personnel to return home with momentos from their tours of duty, it is important that they are made aware of the differing regulations for their connecting commercial flights versus their military flights,” the fire marshal’s statement said.
TSA officers on Monday found a missile launcher in the checked luggage of a man coming back from Kuwait. The man is active military personnel, but the weapon was confiscated and given to the state fire marshal as military weapons are barred in checked and carry-on luggage.