Traveler from Japan arrested at Hawaii airport for allegedly bringing grenades in carry-on luggage
Authorities at Hilo International Airport in Hawaii arrested a traveler from Japan for “terroristic threatening” after he allegedly brought two hand grenades in his carry-on luggage.
The Hawaii Police Department and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that the airport was evacuated on Tuesday after officials discovered two items resembling grenades during X-ray screening.
Akito Fukushima of Kanazawa, Japan, was arrested for first-degree terroristic threatening in connection with the incident.
TSA agents discovered the grenades around 5:30 a.m. local time while screening Fukushima’s carry-on bag as he was departing the country. The airport was evacuated as a precaution, and the Hawaii Police Department’s bomb squad investigated the grenades, which were later determined to be inert.
Fukushima was arrested at 6:45 a.m. and taken to the East Hawaii Detention Facility. The Hawaii Police Department reminded the public that replicas of explosives, such as hand grenades, are prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage.
Operations at the airport resumed at 6:50 a.m. following the incident.
The traveler’s motives for bringing the grenades in his luggage remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
