Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bullet in Bin Sparks Three-Hour Newark Airport Delay

2/20/2026

35 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A bullet in an overhead bin on a United Airlines 737 at Newark Liberty International Airport triggered a nearly three-hour security delay on February 17.
The flight bound for Miami was declared a crime scene and searched before departing at 4:49 p.m.
This followed an October 2024 case at Newark Liberty International Airport in which gun parts were found and Port Authority Police arrested the suspect.

History

Historical Context

Newark Liberty International Airport, established in 1928, has faced ongoing security challenges since the 9/11 attacks in 2001, which prompted the creation of the TSA. In October 2024, heightened security followed the arrest of a suspect with gun parts, echoing a February 2024 incident where a bullet caused a three-hour delay, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in airport security protocols.

1 of 2

Story summary

A bullet in an overhead bin on a United Airlines 737 at Newark Liberty International Airport triggered a nearly three-hour security delay on February 17.
The flight bound for Miami was declared a crime scene and searched before departing at 4:49 p.m.
This followed an October 2024 case at Newark Liberty International Airport in which gun parts were found and Port Authority Police arrested the suspect.

1 / 2