TSA is investigating how a passenger carried a meat cleaver through Portland International Airport security and onto a Delta flight to Salt Lake City. The cleaver was discovered only after boarding, prompting Delta to notify TSA and police. All passengers were deplaned and rescreened; no arrests were reported. The flight arrived approximately two-and-a-half hours late.
Meat Cleaver Found Aboard Delta Flight From Portland; TSA Launches Investigation
TSA is investigating how a passenger carried a meat cleaver through Portland International Airport security and onto a Delta flight to Salt Lake City. The cleaver was discovered only after boarding, prompting Delta to notify TSA and police. All passengers were deplaned and rescreened; no arrests were reported. The flight arrived approximately two-and-a-half hours late.
04:22 AM, 11/18/2025Security
Passenger brought meat cleaver through Portland checkpoint, TSA says
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is investigating how a passenger carried a meat cleaver through the security checkpoint at Portland International Airport and onto a Delta Air Lines flight to Salt Lake City on Thursday.
TSA statement: "TSA is aware that a passenger departing Portland International Airport on Thursday passed through the security checkpoint with a meat cleaver in their carry-on bag. We take this matter very seriously."
The cleaver — a heavy, broad-bladed knife typically used to chop thick cuts of meat, bone or tough vegetables — was discovered only after the passenger had boarded the aircraft. Delta staff reported the item to TSA, which in turn notified local police, the Port of Portland told CNN.
No arrests were made, and a port spokesperson said TSA and Delta "handled things from there." Officials have not publicly explained why the traveler had the cleaver in their carry-on.
Because of the possible security issue, all passengers were deplaned and rescreened before the flight was allowed to depart. Delta apologized for the delay, and the flight arrived in Salt Lake City about two-and-a-half hours late.
What's next
TSA said it is working to "determine the circumstances surrounding this event" and may take corrective action, which could include additional training for the security screening workforce. The agency did not provide further details on any procedural changes or the status of the screening staff involved.
Delta Air Lines: "We apologize to our customers for the delay and any inconvenience. Due to a possible security issue, we elected to deplane and rescreen the aircraft."