Mother suspected of hiding knives in 9-year-old son’s teddy bear at Philadelphia airport

(WSYR) – A New York woman is suspected after a pair of knives were found sewn into a stuffed animal her 9-year-old son was traveling with, according to the Transportation Security Administration. 

TSA found the knives Monday during a security screening at the Philadelphia International Airport. 


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The weapons were found in a Darth Vader teddy bear — described by the TSA as “a black bear in a space-age technology suit and cape” — after the plush toy went through an X-ray machine. TSA said its officers noticed the bear had been re-stitched on its back. After removing the stitches, the knives were found in its stuffing. 

“This is a good example of why we cannot assume that something as innocent-looking as a child’s stuffed animal is not a risk to security,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Someone intentionally attempted to conceal two knives inside this 9-year-old boy’s toy for whatever reason. It was a good catch on the part of our TSA officers.” 


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TSA did not reveal the identity of the woman nor the reason for the hidden knives but did say the woman told them the bear was a comfort toy for her son. She will likely face a federal penalty for trying to sneak the knives through security. 

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