I find this concerning. The reason the TSA has a right to look in luggage, is because of safety concerns. Obviously there were no safety concerns. So the TSA should shut the bag and move along. They do not need to tell the airline, nor the press. Nor do they need to hold the person until the validity of the tag can be ascertained.
My concern/question while reading this. If it’s not a safety concern, if it’s legally possessed, what business is it of the airlines/airport? Why did they even open the bag?