A TSA agent discovered five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger's suitcase during a routine security screening at Gulf Shores International Airport in Alabama on July 18, 2026. The inert relics, wrapped in paper towels, were found after an agent noticed an opaque item during an X-ray scan. The largest cannonball was about the size of a grapefruit and weighed roughly as much as a shot put ball.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the cannonballs were inactive and contained no explosive material. Despite being non-functional, they are classified as prohibited items on aircraft. TSA Officer Justin Dupree, who made the discovery, described the find as "Indiana Jones-esque" and noted it was his first encounter with such artifacts.
Law enforcement traced the cannonballs to Fort Morgan, a historic site in Alabama, based on paint markings applied by fort staff. The relics were confirmed to date back to the American Civil War. This incident marks only the second time since the airport's opening in May 2025 that TSA officers have encountered a potentially live explosive.
The passenger's identity and intentions remain undisclosed. The TSA emphasized the importance of reporting unusual items to security personnel to ensure passenger safety.