GULF SHORES, ALA. — TSA officers discovered five Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger's suitcase during a routine security screening at Gulf Shores International Airport on July 18, 2026. The items were wrapped in paper towels and identified as artillery munitions, which are prohibited on aircraft.

TSA Officer Justin Dupree observed what appeared to be a large, opaque item inside the luggage during an X-ray screening. He noted that he could not see a fuse and required assistance to determine the nature of the objects. "My first thought was, 'I couldn’t see a fuse and need to get some help quick,'" Dupree said. He added that he was concerned the items might be live explosives because he could not see the entire object.

Dupree notified Supervisory TSA Officer Richard Cash after identifying the suspicious items. Cash stated that it was his first time dealing with a potentially live explosive at the checkpoint. Regional TSA explosives specialists, local police, and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the airport to assist with the situation.

Upon opening the luggage, officers found five small cannonballs. The smallest of the artifacts was about one inch wide.

Dupree described the discovery as unusual compared to typical security finds. "I had never seen anything quite this unique," he said. He noted that while he had previously encountered inert grenades and training munitions, this incident was distinct. "I’ve seen inert grenades and training munitions but never an Indiana Jones-esque stolen artifact-type situation," Dupree said.

The TSA and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the cannonballs did not contain any explosive material or active components. Law enforcement determined the cannonballs were stolen from Fort Morgan in Gasque, Alabama, based on paint markings applied by fort staff. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office stated that a juvenile stole the cannonballs from a storage area at Fort Morgan. Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Captain Nathan Lusk stated the juvenile was from out of state.

Investigators learned that the juvenile placed the cannonballs in their grandmother’s checked bag. The grandmother told officers she did not know the cannonballs were stolen. Fort Morgan officials declined to press charges regarding the theft. The cannonballs were returned to Fort Morgan following the security incident.

This incident shows the intersection of historical preservation and modern aviation security protocols. Fort Morgan is a National Historic Landmark located at the entrance to Mobile Bay. The site played a crucial role during the Battle of Mobile Bay in the American Civil War.

Construction of the fort began in 1819 and was completed in 1834, and it has guarded Mobile Bay since that time. Fort Morgan is currently a museum operated by the Alabama Historical Commission.

TSA Alabama Federal Security Director Tara Corse emphasized the importance of adhering to prohibited items lists even for historical artifacts. "I am very proud of the great catch," Corse said. She warned that such items can disrupt airport operations regardless of their condition.

"They can cause security alerts, flight delays and safety concerns," Corse said. She advised travelers to avoid bringing weapons of any kind, including replicas, to the airport. "Even if inert and not active, travelers should avoid bringing weapons of any kind, including replicas, to the airport," she said.

Supervisory TSA Officer Richard Cash provided context on the frequency of such events at the facility. "It’s actually only the second incident we’ve had since JKA opened in May 2025," Cash said. The Alabama Historical Commission is conducting an active investigation into the theft. This event reflects the need for vigilance in protecting historical artifacts while maintaining strict security standards for air travel.