Marine Corps
US Marine detained after live explosive found in bag at California airport
Stars and Stripes
March 31, 2026
A U.S. Marine was detained on March 30, 2026, after a live explosive round was discovered in his checked baggage at Palm Springs International Airport in California. (Rachel K. Porter/U.S. Marine Corps)
A U.S. Marine was detained Monday after a live explosive round was discovered in his checked baggage at Palm Springs International Airport in California, a police report said.
The Marine was identified as Ryan Weaver, 30, of Henderson, Texas, the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported, citing a police spokesperson. The Marine Corps did not immediately respond to questions about his current duty station.
During an investigation, Weaver told police he found the 25mm round in the field about a year ago and kept it, thinking it wasn’t live. Extensive rust and corrosion had erased its markings, making it unclear whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device.
The round was safely removed from the airport and transported to a desert area where it was destroyed, according to the Palm Springs Police Department. No injuries were reported.
Weaver was released to military authorities and could face discipline from the Marine Corps, as well as a civil penalty from TSA. Palm Springs Police have referred the case to the Riverside County District Attorney to determine whether a law on possessing a destructive device was violated.