Pennsylvania man arrested for suspected explosive found in check-in bag | Pennsylvania

Man arrested after explosives found in bag checked into Florida-bound flight in the East pennsylvania airport, federal officials said.

According to the criminal complaint, 40-year-old Mark Muffley is charged with possession of explosives at an airport and possession or attempt to install an explosive or pyrotechnic device on an aircraft.

Prosecutors allege the materials were found in a suitcase Muffley checked into at Lehigh Valley International Airport on Monday for Allegiant Airlines Flight 201 bound for Orlando’s Sanford International Airport.

After being alerted during a security screening, the bag was inspected and hidden in the lining was found to be a “circular compound” about 3 inches in diameter wrapped in waxy paper and clear plastic wrap. I got

FBI bomb technicians X-rayed the compound and found it contained a granular powder consistent with “commercial-grade fireworks” and “is a mixture of flash powder and dark granules used in commercial-grade fireworks.” It is suspected that

It had a “quick fuse” installed that resembled a candle wick, but this was apparently part of the original manufacture of the compound, burning more slowly, and a “hobby fuse” that appears to have been added after manufacture. the official said.

Officials have concluded that both black powder and flash powder are “prone to ignition from heat and friction, posing a significant risk to aircraft and passengers.”

The hand luggage also contained “a can of butane, a lighter, a pipe with white powder, a wireless drill with a cordless battery, and two GFCI outlets taped with black tape,” officials said.

A GFCI outlet is a type of circuit breaker.

Muffley was called over the airport’s public address system and was seen leaving the facility shortly thereafter, officials said.

Officials said Murray was present via videoconference and that he remains in custody pending a probable cause and detention hearing at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Allentown.Wednesday, A message was left for Muffley’s federal attorney, Timothy Wright.