Man found with explosives in suitcase at Pennsylvania airport

A man was arrested after an explosive was allegedly found inside his checked luggage at an eastern Pennsylvania airport on Monday, according to federal authorities. 

The explosive device was allegedly found inside a suitcase that passenger Marc Muffley had checked at Lehigh Valley International Airport for Allegiant Air Flight 201 bound for Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida. 

Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) employees became concerned after an alert went off during a security screening of Muffley’s rolling suitcase. Once the bag was examined, officials found a “circular compound” about three inches in diameter hidden inside the bag’s lining. 

An FBI bomb technician was called to X-ray the compound and concluded that the object contained “a mixture of flash powder and the dark granules that are used in commercial grade fireworks.”

Additionally, the compound had a “quick fuse,” which is similar to a candle wick, and a “hobby fuse,” which burns slowly. 

After analyzing the materials, authorities said the compound’s components “are susceptible to ignite from heat and friction and posed a significant risk to the aircraft and passengers.” 

“The baggage also contained 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 court documents said. 

Muffley was paged through the airport’s public address system. However, he reportedly left the airport soon after.

Police traced him to his registered address where he was arrested by the FBI Monday evening. 

Muffley, 40, is being charged with possessing an explosive in an airport and attempting to place the explosive device on an airplane, according to a criminal complaint.