A bullet was discovered in the overhead compartment of a United Airlines Boeing 737 at Newark Liberty International Airport on February 17, resulting in considerable security delays.
This flight was bound for Miami. Authorities quickly took action, labeling the plane a crime scene and carrying out a search along with an arrest. After a delay of about three hours, the flight finally departed.
According to a statement from United Airlines, “On Tuesday, United Airlines Flight 1511 underwent security screening prior to departure after a bullet was found in the overhead bin.” The statement continued, “Security personnel removed the aircraft, which then departed for Miami.”
Initially, Flight 1511 was scheduled to leave Newark at 2:07 p.m. local time. However, it took off much later at 4:49 p.m. and landed in Miami at 7:33 p.m.
It’s still not entirely clear how the bullet got into the cabin, especially after thorough inspections were completed in Newark. Notably, TSA regulations strictly prohibit firearms in carry-on luggage.
The regulations stipulate that ammunition must be unloaded, stored in a hard-sided container, and declared to the airline when checking in. This includes firearm magazines and ammunition clips, which must be properly contained.
Interestingly, the TSA has indicated that detected firearms in carry-on bags won’t be confiscated; instead, screeners will inform law enforcement, who will then determine the necessary steps.
This incident isn’t unique, as passengers have previously attempted to conceal ammunition at Newark Airport. For example, in October 2024, a Mississippi man was arrested when TSA agents found disassembled firearm parts hidden in his trunk, alongside a Lego box.
During that incident, officers using an X-ray machine spotted a fully disassembled 9mm firearm within the man’s carry-on. The report described how parts of the gun were artfully concealed with Lego pieces and other items.
Port Authority police ultimately seized the items and apprehended the individual, who was headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
