Two WWI artillery shells were confiscated from the luggage of two teenagers by TSA baggage screeners at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport Monday.
Chicago police and the FBI cleared out the baggage room upon making the discovery, but soon discovered the military-grade shells were inert and posed no threat,
NBC Chicago reports.
TSA spokesman Jim McKinney said the 17- and 16-year-old traveling with the shells were returning from a school field trip to London, and were detained on their layover. They were bound for Seattle.
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McKinney tweeted a picture of the shells on Wednesday, along with a note about TSA policies.
The minors told authorities they had obtained what experts believe to be French 77 mm shells from a WWI artillery range. The press was not told just how they were obtained, however the minors were not charged, and were allowed to complete their journey after the shells were confiscated.
"As a reminder, large munitions are not permitted to be brought on board airplanes, in carry-on or checked baggage," TSA said in a statement. "Small arms ammunition, including under .75 caliber and shotgun shells, can be packed in checked baggage in accordance with airline policies."
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