The Transportation Security Administration reported today that it had discovered explosive residues in prohibited items at the Huntington Tri-State airport in West Virginia. According to reports, the residues were found in a water bottle. The TSA's full statement is published below:
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. -- Two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security officers discovered explosive residues on two containers of liquid in a carry-on bag brought by a passenger at the Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS). At 9:15 a.m. this morning Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Joshua Messinger and TSO Clifford Barker discovered the residues while screening bottles filled with liquid substances. Last week, TSA banned liquids and gels on commercial aircraft.
"From the smallest regional airport to the largest hub, our security officers, using their training and technology, are the key to ensuring we protect the flying public," said TSA's Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley. "I applaud officers Messinger and Barker not only for their technical expertise but for the professionalism they displayed in managing this situation. They exemplify the skill and talent of our excellent workforce nationwide."
The officers noticed the prohibited liquids inside a traveler's carry-on bag during screening at the checkpoint. The bag was opened and the contents tested with an Explosives Trace Detector. The item tested positive for explosives and a retest confirmed the results. At that point, local law enforcement was notified and an explosives detection canine team arrived to provide further confirmation of the presence of explosive material.
At 11:25 a.m., to ensure the safety of the traveling public, West Virginia State Police, the Tri-State Airport Authority and TSA agreed to evacuate the terminal. This afternoon the terminal was reopened and Officers Messinger and Barker were back on the job ensuring all passengers departing from HTS reach their destination safely.
