Explosive device found in passenger's luggage, Pennsylvania airport

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Mar 14:03

FBI and local law enforcement bomb technicians who responded to the scene determined that the item "was indeed a live explosive device," TSA said.

A photo of Mark Muffley, 40, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, released in a criminal complaint. (US District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania)

Passenger Mark Muffley of Lansford Pennsylvania was found with an explosive device in his luggage on Monday, according to a criminal complaint. The suspect is currently in FBI custody, officials said.

Muley, 40, was set to take an Allegiant flight to Orlando Sanford International Airport.

The device was hidden in the bag's lining, was circular with a diameter of 3 inches, with two fuses and a wax-paper and plastic wrap concealed powder.

The "powder is suspected to be a mixture of flash powder and the dark granulars that are used in commercial grade fireworks," the complaint said. "The black powder and flash powder are susceptible to ignite from heat and friction and posed a significant risk to the aircraft and passengers."

The bag also had "a can of butane, a lighter, a pipe with white powder residue, a wireless drill with cordless batteries, and two GFCI outlets taped together with black tape," the complaint said.

Sources told ABC News that the device contained explosive components but was not constructed to go off on the flight.

Officials are investigating the suspect's background to further understand the reason behind why he allegedly packed these materials.

The device was seen during "routine screening" when a triggered alarm went off, said the Transportation Security Administration in a statement. Suspicion rose as it was believed to be a possibly live explosive device.

Muffley was paged to come to the security desk. Five minutes later, Muffley was seen leaving the airport. As such, the package was removed from the airport.

FBI and local law enforcement bomb technicians confirmed that the the device was "indeed a live explosive device", TSA said.

Muffley was arrested at his home Monday night, according to the FBI. He was charged with possession of an explosive and attempting to place it on an aircraft. He is due in court on Thursday afternoon.