TSA stops woman with gun-shaped shoes in carry-on baggage

High passenger volumes and a shortage of TSA staff are among the reasons security lines at the nation's airports are moving slowly these days. Here is another reason: Fliers are bringing prohibited items and those that look suspicious the checkpoints.

Lines at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport came to a halt this week when TSA agents spotted a pair of gun-shaped stiletto heels and bullet-lined bracelets in a passenger's carry-on luggage.

"Realistic replica firearms and ammunition are not permitted past TSA checkpoints," TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein tweeted on Monday. "Shoes and bracelets that are less than ideal to wear or bring to a @TSA checkpoint. These delayed a traveler at BWI," she said in another tweet showing the goods.

The passenger was told she could put the accessories in a checked bag but ended up ditching them to catch her flight, Farbstein said.

The incident on Sunday prompted the TSA to remind passengers to not bring prohibited items to the checkpoint.

"These rules are not new and it's time for people to take responsibility and bring things that are only allowed," spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said. "TSA is not focused on getting people through quickly. They are focused on security. That is the priority and that will not change."