Originally Posted by
Often1
Got nothing to do with that. OP violated the law. But, the decisions as to whether to pursue violations are made at HQ. In most circumstances, the result is no action. When you've actually done something wrong isn't the time to argue about ID because TSA most certainly can temporarily detain you for a law enforcement officer and they most certainly can hold you until they can figure out who you are, most likely from ID on you as well as backtracking your BP.
Since when does TSA have legal powers of detention? Are TSOs now considered law enforcement officers? When did that happen, and where was this authority conveyed upon them?
OP certainly did not violate the law - he did not enter the sterile area with a prohibited item, nor did he knowingly attempt to do so. He was unaware that the prohibited item was in his bag; when informed of that fact, he made no attempt to take the prohibited item into the sterile area, complied with the instructions of the TSOs, and did not interfere with the screening process in any way.
I was happy to hear from OP, however, that the TSOs did give him the option of mailing the prohibited item to himself or returning it to his car, since I have heard plenty of stories of TSOs disposing of prohibited items without asking travelers what they wish to do with their property, since that property is not permitted inside the sterile area.
OP - I hope you never forget about your knife again; it looks like an expensive folder and I'd hate to lose it to an overzealous TSO or LEO who oversteps their authority and "confiscates" (steals) your knife.