A television crew have been arrested after trying to film themselves taking a fake bomb made from vacuum cleaner parts through airport security.
According to Transportation Security Administration, police arrested the group of seven at Newark’s Liberty International Airport after officers detected a suspicious item in a carry-on bag.
The team, from a reality TV show called Staten Island Hustle, were detained at the New Jersey airport’s terminal C at around 3pm on Thursday.
A picture of the fake explosive device that was found in the bag of a television crew member
The seven strong crew were from the show ‘Staten Island Hustle’ and it was reported they wanted to film the panic that would ensue when the device was found
They were attempting to record the panic that they hoped would ensue when TSA officers found the device, an agency source told the Daily News.
The crew hired an engineer to construct the fake device but a TSA bomb expert happened to be at the security check and they were immediately detained, the paper reported.
The TSA said 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’.
TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein added: ‘The preliminary investigation indicates that all were in collaboration and claimed to be working for a television network.
The crew were arrested by police officers at the airport and have been charged with conspiracy to create a public alarm and other offences
‘The group did not make it past the checkpoint because TSA officers detected the item, which was concealed in a roller bag.’
A picture of the device obtained by CBS2 News shows that the device appeared to be composed of wires and portions of a vacuum cleaner.
Endemol Shine North America, the production company behind Staten Island Hustle, released a statement late on Thursday about the incident.
‘We are looking into the details of what happened as a matter of priority and are in contact with relevant authorities on the ground,’ said the company, which also produces MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.
The incident occurred at Newark’s Liberty International Airport (File Picture) on Thursday
‘While this process is ongoing we are unable to comment further but in the meantime, we sincerely apologize for any disruption caused.’
According to CNBC’s description of ‘Staten Island Hustle’ the show ‘follows a group of animated, life-long friends and businessmen from Staten Island who’ve yet to come up with an idea or product too far-fetched for them to invest in.
‘Without MBAs (or even college degrees) these men prove that grit, ingenuity, and street smarts may be the real key to success. Of course, it helps that somebody’s always “got a guy” with the right connection or a good hook-up.’
Port Authority police charged the seven crew members with conspiracy to create a public alarm and other charges. They are also facing up to $13,000 in fines.