Originally Posted by
CaptainMiles
It can. What if said document contained instructions on how to mix the right amounts of liquids and gels (say, shampoo and chapstick) to create an explosive? Could the TSA argue that they were going through the guy's materials to make sure they did not contain materials that could be used in travel-related terrorism?
It can't. As long as the explosives are not available it does not matter what I read.
With that said, if a TSO saw a book with the title of "How to bring down an airplane" and felt it was suspicious, they should call in a LEO. The TSO should not ask ANY questions about the book or read the book. Leave it to the LEO.