The Transportation Security Administration said it is conducting a review after a passenger at Portland International Airport in Oregon managed to board a plane with a meat cleaver in a carry-on bag.
The heavy-duty kitchen knife somehow passed through a security checkpoint undetected.
"TSA is aware that a passenger departing Portland International Airport on Thursday Nov. 13 passed through the security checkpoint with a meat cleaver in their carry-on bag. We take this matter very seriously," a representative wrote in a statement obtained by Nexstar's KOIN.
"We are reviewing the incident, and once we determine the circumstances surrounding this event, we will take appropriate corrective action that could include additional training of the security screening workforce."
Newsmax contacted the TSA for further comment but did not receive an immediate response.
According to The Hill, passengers were made to exit the plane and undergo further screening procedures after the knife was found before being let back onto the aircraft.
It was unknown whether the cleaver was confiscated or if the passenger faces any repercussions for bringing it aboard.
The TSA's "What Can I Bring?" webpage has clear guidelines for passengers looking to travel with sharp objects, including kitchen knives, and specifically, meat cleavers.
According to the agency, meat cleavers are not permitted in carry-on bags but are allowed to be transported in checked bags if packed properly.
"Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors," the site advises, adding that the final decision "rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint."
Meanwhile, in July, the TSA ended its shoe removal policy during regular security screening at airports nationwide, doing away with the policy after nearly 20 years.
"TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture," the agency said at the time. "Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels."
The shoe removal requirement was implemented for passengers in August 2006, five years after Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines trans-Atlantic flight.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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