Every day, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) catches roughly 18 firearms that are being scanned on carry-on belongings. The number of weapons intercepted at airport checkpoints has climbed every year since 2010 and now poses possible threats both on a plane and at airport checkpoints.
This week a passenger flying from Pennsylvania to Florida carried something more than a firearm.
TSA Finds Explosives On Checked-Baggage
The incident occurred on February 27, 2023, according to the press release by the TSA. A Pennsylvania man was traveling from Lehigh Valley International Airport to Orlando, Florida with Allegiant Air 201. As his checked baggage was routinely checked by the x-ray screening, it triggered an alarm, which required a TSA officer to physically inspect the contents of the luggage.
During the inspection, the TSA officer found items that appeared to be suspicious and were believed to possibly be a live explosive device. Sensing danger, the officer immediately notified local authorities including the Lehigh – Northampton Airport Authority Police and the FBI.
It was later confirmed by bomb technicians that the item was indeed an explosive device.
Suspect Remains In Custody Pending Trial
The suspect, who is later identified as Marc Muffley, 40, faces two charges, including possession of an explosive in an airport and possessing or attempting to place an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft.
According to court documents, the suspect was paged over the airport intercom as soon as the TSA found the device. However, he fled the airport and did not show up. The airport security cameras caught Muffley leaving the airport to his home. He also switched his phone number to avoid being tracked by the authorities.
The FBI arrested Marc Muffley, without incident at his Lansford, Pa., residence late Monday night, three days later after the founding. He reportedly told the FBI special agent in charge that he was aware of the items he was carrying.
After his arrest, his defense lawyer suggested that Muffley only wanted to set off fireworks on a Florida beach, where he said the one-time construction worker sometimes cares for an ailing grandfather. However, the judge denied bail as he posed a possible flight risk and a danger to the community.
Muffley Carried Explosive Powders With Other Items With The Risk Of Explosion
Based on the court document, Muffley carried a circular compound approximately three inches in diameter, wrapped in a wax-like paper and clear plastic wrap hidden in the lining of the baggage.
Additionally, his checked bag contained a can of butane, a lighter, a pipe with white powder residue suspected to be methamphetamine, a wireless drill with cordless batteries, and two GFCI outlets taped together with black tape.
Summary
On February 27, 2023, a Pennsylvania man carried explosives in his checked baggage on an Allegiant Airlines flight from Lehigh Valley to Orlando, Floria. The TSA officer found the suspicious devices and powders and local authorities, including the FBI, were immediately notified.
The suspect, later identified as Marc Muffley, was arrested three days later at his residence. He and his lawyer are claiming he was not to harm anyone but the judge’s viewpoint was different and he is under custody.
