Video Reveals Passenger with Meat Cleaver Boarding Delta Flight After Security Check
Recent footage has emerged showing a concerning security breach where a passenger managed to board a Delta Air Lines flight carrying a meat cleaver in their carry-on bag. This unsettling incident took place on November 13 at Portland International Airport, raising significant safety questions.
Incident Overview
The passenger, identified in police reports as Rommy Gadelmoula, successfully passed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening with the weapon concealed in a shopping bag. After boarding a flight scheduled for Salt Lake City, an alert flight attendant noticed the meat cleaver, prompting immediate action.
Passenger Experience
As news of the security issue broke, passengers were informed that they would need to disembark for rescreening. Jacob Hafen, a passenger on the flight, described the atmosphere as tense. He recalled that “everybody was getting a little agitated and fidgety” while waiting for updates.
Response from Authorities
- The pilot exited the aircraft to consult with airport security personnel.
- All passengers were required to leave the plane and undergo additional screenings.
- The flight was delayed by approximately three hours while the situation was resolved.
In remarks to Fox 12, Hafen expressed his disbelief, stating, “It was pretty insane to think that something like that can get on an airplane.”
Passenger’s Explanation
Upon questioning, Gadelmoula claimed he brought the cleaver on board because he found it at a “good deal.” Notably, he was not charged in connection with the incident and subsequently boarded another flight without further incident.
TSA’s Stance
Trang Kim, the vice president of the TSA union in Oregon, emphasized the importance of security measures while acknowledging that errors can occur. “No one wants to miss something of that magnitude,” Kim stated, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in airport security operations.
This incident underscores critical concerns regarding the effectiveness of airport security measures and raises awareness about potential vulnerabilities in passenger screenings.
