BOISE, Idaho (KTVX) — TSA officers made a “shocking” discovery during a routine security check at the Boise Airport on Tuesday.
The federal agency reported that a passenger attempted to go through the security checkpoint with a stun gun that was cleverly disguised as a part of a cane.
According to a press release, a TSA officer observed that the cane seemed to have been altered and proceeded to request an inspection of the traveler’s belongings. The examination revealed the stun gun concealed inside the cane, near its detachable handle.
The traveler allegedly informed TSA that they had purchased the cane in California after being unsuccessful in finding a cane with a concealed sword. The traveler mentioned that the cane was intended for self-defense purposes.
“The discovery of this shocking device perfectly illustrates why TSA screens all personal property and travelers for potential security threats every time,” said James Spies, TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho. “I am grateful the TSA officer who noticed something was amiss with the cane acted on their instincts and ultimately kept this item from making it into the cabin of the aircraft.”
The TSA said all weapons, including electro-shock weapons, tasers, and stun guns, should always travel in checked luggage and not a carry-on bag. Weapons must also be packed in a way that makes them inoperable from any possible accidental discharge.
The traveler in this case, according to TSA, voluntarily abandoned the cane-like stun gun with TSA before continuing on his travels. TSA said there was no impact on security or airport operations.
