A man has been arrested and charged with attempting to plant an explosive or incendiary device on a plane after his bag triggered an alarm at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania, US authorities said on Wednesday.
The FBI said Mark Muffley, 40, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, checked a suitcase Monday for a flight to Sanford, Florida.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said one of its officers spotted a suspicious object inside the suitcase that appeared to be a live explosive device.
“FBI and local law enforcement operatives have determined that the object is indeed an active explosive device,” a TSA spokesperson said.
The bag set off an alarm and officers found what they described as a “circular compound” hidden in the lining of the luggage, with two fuses and powder concealed in waxed paper and plastic wrapping, a said the FBI in its formal complaint.
The “powder is suspected to be a mixture of flash powder and dark pellets used in commercial-grade fireworks,” the complaint adds.
“Black powder and flash powder are susceptible to ignition by heat and friction and posed a significant risk to the aircraft and passengers.”
After the alarm went off, authorities paged Muffley to report to airport security. Minutes later, Muffley was seen leaving the airport, the FBI added. Later that evening, he was arrested at his home.
Other details of the incident, including Muffley’s alleged intent, were not immediately known. Reuters could not immediately contact Muffley or a representative.
ABC News reported that Muffley was due in court on Thursday.
The airport said it briefly closed part of its main terminal on Monday while authorities investigated the suspicious package.
