Massachusetts Star Detained by TSA and Bomb Squad

Massachusetts native and Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo certainly had a spike in heartrate when she was pulled aside at the airport by TSA and the bomb squad.

Yes, you read that right, and no, she wasn't carrying any weapons – unless you consider sunflower seeds dangerous.

If you think this story sounds bonkers, you're not wrong. Pompeo revealed she was detained by TSA and an explosive teams for something questionable in her bag.

What Is Erewhon?

Described as an upscale market, Erewhon Market has multiple locations in Los Angeles and can be considered a hotspot for eyeing a celeb or two.

Pompeo's sunflower seeds came for the popular chain that specializes in premium, organic and sustainable-sourced products.

Ties to Massachusetts

Though headquartered in Los Angeles, Erewhon was founded in Boston, in Pompeo's home state.

Getty Images; Canva

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Was Pompeo Charged?

When Pompeo was questioned at the airport, her confusion quickly cleared when discovering it was the sunflower seeds that triggered the alarm.

She offered to throw them away and go about her travels, but was denied. There may have been a chemical in the packaging of the seeds that alerted TSA and others.

Pompeo sat while officers search the unopened bag.

“I was texting my publicist saying, ‘I might not get on this plane, and you're never gonna guess why," Pompeo said.

She was not in trouble, nor did she miss her flight, but I'm sure she'll be rethinking the plane snacks next time.

Things You Didn’t Know You Can Get Past TSA

Going through TSA always makes everyone so nervous for many reasons. You don't want to get pulled aside and get some sort of crazy search done. But you also don't want them to throw out anything that you have in your bag.

It's always hard to find out what can you get past TSA. According to Upgraded Points, you are allowed to bring over 400 things with you, some of which you probably had no idea you could bring with you. Here are things that you most likely didn't know you could get past TSA with no problem.

Gallery Credit: EeE