TSA finds stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger’s suitcase at an Alabama airport
The inert munitions were traced to Fort Morgan, and officials said a juvenile took them from a storage area before they were returned.
- On July 18, 2026, Lead TSA Officer Justin Dupree discovered five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs wrapped in paper towels inside checked luggage at Gulf Shores International Airport, triggering a security alert.
- Investigators traced the inert munitions to Fort Morgan after the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office determined a 17-year-old juvenile from out of state had stolen them from the historic site's storage area.
- Wrapped in paper towels, the munitions ranged from grapefruit-sized to one inch wide, prompting Dupree to say he had "never seen anything quite this unique" in his four years with the TSA.
- Airport officials returned the cannonballs to Fort Morgan, and the facility's director declined to press criminal charges, allowing the grandmother passenger to board her flight to Oklahoma City.
- TSA Alabama Federal Security Director Tara Corse warned travelers to avoid packing weapons or replicas, as such items trigger security alerts and flight delays, even when inert.
92 Articles
92 Articles
Stolen Civil War-era cannonballs found in suitcase at Alabama airport
Law enforcement officials say a set of stolen Civil War-era cannonballs was discovered in a passenger's suitcase during a routine security screening at Alabama's Gulf Shores International Airport.
Airport security finds stolen historic cannonballs in passenger's suitcase
A TSA agent discovered a set of stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger's suitcase during a routine security screening at an Alabama airport earlier this month, law enforcement officials said.
The Record
TSA finds stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger’s suitcase at an Alabama airport
Law enforcement officials say a set of stolen Civil War-era cannonballs was discovered in a passenger’s suitcase during a routine security screening at an Alabama airport.
Associated Press News
TSA finds stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger's suitcase at an Alabama airport
Law enforcement officials say a set of stolen Civil War-era cannonballs was discovered in a passenger’s suitcase during a routine security screening at an Alabama airport.
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