On February 17, a significant security incident took place at Newark Liberty International Airport when a bullet was found in the overhead bin of United Airlines Flight 1511, which was scheduled to fly to Miami. The discovery prompted authorities to declare the plane a crime scene and conduct a thorough search of the aircraft, leading to an extended delay of nearly three hours before it was cleared to take off. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about airport security and the potential risks involved for passengers and crew.

The flight was set to depart at 2:07 p.m. but ultimately took off at 4:49 p.m., arriving in Miami at 7:33 p.m. United Airlines confirmed the incident and stated that a security sweep was performed after the bullet was discovered. The situation was resolved without further issues, but it underscores the heightened security measures in place at airports, especially in light of previous threats to aviation safety. Additionally, the incident raises questions about how such items can go unnoticed during the boarding process, emphasizing the importance of thorough luggage checks.

While the incident concluded with no direct threat to passengers, it serves as a reminder of the vigilance required by airport security personnel and the necessity of maintaining safety protocols. Such occurrences can create panic and disrupt travel plans but also reflect the effectiveness of security systems in identifying and addressing potential hazards before they escalate.