TSA Officers at Seattle-Tacoma Airport Find 'Mutant Blades' in Carry-On Bag

Transportation Security Administration officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport pulled an unusual weapon-like item from a carry-on bag, an object the agency described as "mutant blades." The find, announced this week, drew comparisons to comic book and horror movie props.

Officers Douglas Linn and Dennis Oishi noticed the blades while reviewing X-ray images at one of the airport's security checkpoints. Oishi then searched the bag, TSA said.

According to the agency, the item "resembled a mix between Wolverine-style claws and Freddy Krueger blades." Those references point to the Marvel Universe character and the villain of "A Nightmare on Elm Street." TSA said the discovery should remind travelers "that some accessories are better suited for movie screens than airplane cabins."

Linn, who first flagged the bag, said the image on the screen caught him off guard. "I saw three blades and distinct claw-like features," he said in a statement. "I was amazed, and even more so when it came out of the bag. I had never seen anything like this during my two years at TSA."

The passenger told officers he had forgotten the item was in his luggage. After Oishi removed the blades from the bag, the traveler voluntarily abandoned them at the checkpoint.

Ann Rhoades, the supervisory TSA officer, said the blades ranked among "the most unusual items" she had come across in her seven years with the agency. Recalling her reaction, she said: "My first thought was, 'Oh my gosh,' and my second thought was, 'Is this what I think it is?'"

TSA shared photos of the apparatus in a post on X on Tuesday, joking, "Not a Marvel-ous idea in your carry-on bag." The agency added a reminder for travelers: "Please pack all mutant blades in a checked bag."

Under TSA guidelines, air travelers may pack sharp objects such as box cutters, corkscrews, darts and knives in checked baggage. The items must be "sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors," according to the guidelines.