Pennsylvania man arrested by the FBI after TSA found explosives in luggage

Welcome to The Independent's US Morning Headlines newsletter

View online March 02, 2023 1/ FBI arrest man who tried to smuggle homemade explosive device onboard Florida-bound flight A Pennsylvania man was arrested by the FBI after airport security found explosives in luggage he had checked for an Allegiant flight to Florida.    Mark Muffley, 40, was travelling to Sanford, Florida, from Lehigh Valley International Airport on Monday when officials made the discovery which they said "posed a significant risk to the aircraft and passengers."   An FBI affidavit in the case states that his suitcase allegedly triggered an alarm during TSA screening screening, which caused security staff to carry out a physical inspection of the suitcase.   Inside the lining of the suitcase they allegedly found a circular compound "wrapped in a wax-like paper and clear plastic wrap", reported WFMZ-TV.   The TSA raised the alarm and the FBI were called in to inspect the suitcase. A bomb technician X-rayed the material and concluded that it was a powder "consistent with a commercial grade firework." 2/ Parole denied for RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan for 17th time Parole was approved in past, but overruled by California governor Gavin Newsom 3/ 16-year-old fatally stabbed in fight at California high school The suspect fled but was later captured without incident, according to police in Santa Rosa 4/ NBA star accused of punching teenager and threatening security guard The Memphis Grizzlies point guard was involved in several violent incidents last summer, according to police reports 5/ Three bodies, 1,700 acres and a whole lot of hogs: Inside Alex Murdaugh's $4m Moselle estate The Moselle estate had a mysterious past even before Maggie and Paul's murders with ties to a suspected drug smuggler Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. The Big Question When will there be a verdict in the Alex Murdaugh trial? After five and half weeks of testimony, the jury in the double-murder trial of Alex Murdaugh is expected to begin deliberations on Thursday.   Before they began to consider a verdict, the 12 jurors and two alternates visited the scene of the crime — the dog kennels and feed room at the Murdaugh family's 1,700-acre Moselle estate. It was there that Mr Murdaugh is accused of brutally murdering his wife Maggie, 52, and younger son Paul, 22, were brutally murdered on 7 June 2021. Paul was shot twice with a shotgun as he stood in the feed room of the kennels. Maggie was shot four to five times with an AR-15-style rifle a few yards from her son, as she backed into an ATV parked under a hangar. Mr Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty.   So when might we expect an outcome? Read the full story > Watch/ Hundreds of dead fish wash up on Florida beaches after reports of red tide NUMBER OF THE DAY 17 – The number of times Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Robert F Kennedy in 1968, has been denied parole, the latest decision on which was made by a panel in California this week. QUOTE OF THE DAY "You've made your choice. I hope you're ready for some conversations on the Senate floor that you're not likely to enjoy. This issue isn't going away, and neither am I." – One of several messages tweeted by Utah Republican representative Mike Lee to Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida regarding detained US Navy lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, which led to his account being briefly suspended by Twitter. We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE Other stories you might like Basketball team forfeits instead of facing team with trans player Woman resigns from activist group after mother says she faked race Teen, 17, shot dead after allegedly offering lift to younger kids Articles available exclusively to subscribers Michelle Ye Hee Lee - Speaking out about allegations of sexual assault in Japan's military OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate Weekly Written by Louise Boyle Join now Simon Calder's Travel Week Weekly Written by Simon Calder Join now Climate News Weekly Written by Louise Boyle Join now Simon Calder's Travel Week Weekly Written by Simon Calder Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's US Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's US Morning Headlines newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.