After reading about this incident, we promise we'll never complain about security checks again. On Nov. 6, employees of First Global Xpress (FGX), a direct-shipping service based in New York City, became suspicious of a Los Angeles-bound air shipment that included a decrepit overstuffed suitcase. When they pulled the luggage out for further investigation, the handle broke off, revealing bullets inside. FGX's operations management team immediately summoned company CEO Justin Brown and activated the company's security plan, evacuating the premises and locking down the perimeter until local and federal authorities arrived.
Authorities eventually discovered a large quantity of weapons in the shipment, including loaded AK-47 assault, .30 caliber, and British military rifles; a shotgun; 96 knives; knuckle rings; fireworks; and nearly 3,000 rounds of various types of ammunition.
Brown credited his staff's commitment to safety and their training on Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration standards with preventing a catastrophe. According to reports in New York news media, the owner of the weapons is Jonathan Shaw, 57, a tattoo artist who counts a number of celebrities among his clients. Shaw, who was arrested and reportedly faces 118 weapons and ammunition charges, was moving from New York to the West Coast.
