Carabiners and the Auto Show?

Question

Alright, I'm really curious. I went to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit today and came across something puzzling. I was let into the show a few times through the day, but one woman checking bags/people for security demanded I lose my carabiner clip. She told me to either take it back to the car I came in (which was parked many blocks away and it was incredibly cold), throw it away myself, or give it to her (with no hope of getting it back).

Why would a carabiner clip be so threatening?

Answer 1

"Give me your ______ or else I'm going to clip myself to you!"

Answer 2

Its not really a problem. They are picky. I was there last year and it was freezing cold. I would have taken it back to the car anyway.

Answer 3

Yep it sounds like an under paid rent a cop with a power trip, hope you had fun.

Answer 4

Sounds to me like an over zealous rent-a-cop on a power trip.  I cannot imagine Any real security related reason for banning the possession of a carabiner key ring clip in a public building.  I would have asked to speak with her supervisor.