The TSA destroyed Cory Doctorow’s suitcase because it looked like it might be locked.
- It was not locked; and
- Even if it was, the case was one with the “TSA locks” on it, which TSA agents supposedly have a master key for.
The TSA cannot be held responsible for the destruction, though, because terrorism. Accountability is anathema to this organization; just look at the distance they went to keep their serial gropers from being prosecuted.