Actor Ellen Pompeo says she was detained by TSA over sunflower seeds
Share this @internewscast.com


(The Hill) — Ellen Pompeo says she faced a sunflower seed-related security snafu at the airport, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) brought in a bomb squad to inspect her snack food.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” star recounted the March carry-on incident in a recent interview with Travel + Leisure magazine.

“I had a bag of sunflower seeds, like organic sunflower seeds from Erewhon, so they were probably the most expensive sunflower seeds money can buy,” Pompeo said of her purchase from the upscale Los Angeles grocer that she was attempting to bring on a plane.

“They literally held me for an hour, and they brought the bomb squad in,” the 55-year-old actor said.

“And I was like, what is happening? Is this a joke?” Pompeo told the publication.

The culprit, she said, probably had to do with the container carrying her protein-packed cargo: “They said it was most likely a chemical on the packaging of these super expensive, fancy, organic, clean sunflower seeds.”

“My protein on the plane!” she exclaimed. 

A TSA spokesperson didn’t respond to ITK’s request for comment.

“I almost missed the flight,” Pompeo said, recalling how she was required to stay on-site during the bomb squad’s investigation.

“It was really like no one would ever believe this! I was texting my publicist saying, ‘I might not get on this plane, and you’re never gonna guess why.’” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Local Veterans Commemorate Beirut Bombing Anniversary: Honoring the Fallen and Reflecting on History

In Kingsport, Tennessee, an event was recently held to commemorate the 42nd…

Upcoming Government Shutdown Could Halt Inflation Data Release for First Time in Years

WASHINGTON – The looming government shutdown is poised to disrupt the release…

Pentagon Boosts Rio Grande Security with Enhanced Coast Guard Patrols: A Strategic Response

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to hold a press conference on Thursday…

Chicago’s Tranquil Protests Shine a Spotlight on Border Patrol Chief Controversy

On Friday, protesters gathered peacefully outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement…

Ex-South Carolina Elections Chief Arrested in Richland County: Details Unfold

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The former executive director of the South…

Danville School Board’s Unanimous Decision: Administrator Dismissal Sparks Change

In a decisive move, the Danville Board of Education has chosen to…

Local Star Quarterback from New Hampstead Shines in SSU Homecoming Game

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah State Tigers are gearing up for their…

New Volunteer Coordinator Poised to Aid Carter County’s Recovery Efforts Post-Hurricane Helene

In Carter County, Tennessee, the Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) has revealed…

US Supersonic B-1 Bombers Make Strategic Flight Near Venezuelan Coast

WASHINGTON – In a display of military might, the U.S. sent two…

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Takes Action to Safeguard Local Watersheds

Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — As Florida’s largest open water estuary, Tampa Bay…

Major Setback for Savannah Pride: $30,000 Funding Cut Threatens Future Events

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah Pride Center is facing a significant financial…

St. Joseph-Ogden Soccer Team Aims to Continue Winning Streak After Remarkable Season

ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) – The St. Joseph-Ogden boys’ soccer team showcased…