TV crew tried to sneak fake explosive device through Newark Airport security, feds say
Newark NJ Jan 20 2018 At least seven members of a cable television crew were arrested after they tried to sneak a fake explosive device through a security checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday.
A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation said that the team was filming for cable network CNBC, which is based in Englewood Cliffs.
The TSA did not release the names of the people they said were arrested, and the Port Authority only said that it was investigating the incident.
A second source said the fake explosive device was a length of PVC pipe with wires sticking out from it. A bomb tech with the TSA determined that the device posed no threat, and that eight people were taken into custody.
A third source, who also asked to not be identified, said the crew was from the Endemol Shine Group, a Dutch production company that contracts with CNBC.
Endemol is the production company behind MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.
“We are looking into the details of what happened as a matter of priority and are in contact with relevant authorities on the ground. While this process is ongoing we are unable to comment further but in the meantime, we sincerely apologize for any disruption caused,” Julie Holland, a spokesperson for Endemol Shine North America, said in a statement.
The law enforcement source said the crew likely would be charged by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office with creating a false public alarm, conspiracy and interference with transportation, but that Essex County would make that determination.
The TSA said members of the group “attempted to intentionally carry through the security checkpoint an item in a carry-on bag that had all of the makings of an improvised explosive device. At the same time, others in the group covertly filmed the encounter.”
“The preliminary investigation indicates that all were in collaboration and claimed to be working for a television network,” Lisa Farbstein, acting director of media relations, wrote in a news release. “The group did not make it past the checkpoint because TSA officers detected the item, which was concealed in a roller bag.”
The group also faces civil penalties of up to $13,000 for each security violation, Farbstein wrote.
It was a busy news day at Newark Airport on Thursday, as former Gov. Chris Christie was turned away from a special access area that circumvents TSA security at the airport.
