Texas airport's security checkpoint evacuated over Boy Scout’s toy grenade: ‘Clear out now!’

Houston Hobby Airport in Texas evacuated a security checkpoint Thursday after a 17-year-old Boy Scout brought a toy grenade into the airport with him.

What are the details?

The 17-year-old Boy Scout reportedly approached a security checkpoint when TSA discovered that the teen had a toy grenade in one of his bags.

As a result, authorities were called in to investigate a suspicious item and the checkpoint was closed and evacuated. According to Newsweek, the Houston Police Department confirmed that the suspicious item was simply a toy grenade.

The outlet also reported that an Associated Press journalist was present for the evacuation and noted that TSA shouted, "Shut it down!" and "Everyone leave!"

KSTP reported that the journalist, identified as John L. Mone, added, "My wife and I were waiting to drop our bags into the X-ray machine and go through the detector, and I heard a TSA agent scream 'Shut it down, shut it down, shut it down!' Everyone was looking around, confused, and people were ordered to 'Clear out now!'"

Passengers were corralled outside of a 200-foot radius of the checkpoint until the toy was removed, according to KTRK-TV.

Houston Airport System spokesman Bill Begley told KSTP-TV that passengers were permitted to approach the airport checkpoint after a bomb squad determined that the teen's toy was a "novelty grenade."

How long was the delay?

According to Newsweek, the investigation caused over an hour delay for departing and arriving flights.

KPRC-TV reported that the Boy Scout was detained after the incident.

BREAKING: 17-year-old Boy Scout detained after security scare at @HobbyAirport. @houstonpolice say he was carrying a toy grenade in his bag. No word on any penalties. @KPRC2 #kprc2 pic.twitter.com/T2UIObbhCH

— KPRC Cathy Hernandez (@KPRC2Cathy) June 7, 2018

It is unclear whether the teen will face any penalties as a result of bringing the toy grenade into the airport.