A TV Crew Was Arrested at Newark Airport for Attempting to Pass Security With a Fake Bomb
What were they even thinking? Seven members of a Dutch film crew tried to get past TSA agents at New Jersey’s Newark airport yesterday with a fake bomb stored in a carry on bag, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The group, staff of reality production company Endemol, also covertly filmed their attempt.
Several arrested by police on Thursday after @TSA detected a suspicious item in a carry-on bag at a Newark Airport checkpoint. They
attempted to intentionally carry an item in a carry-on bag
that had all of the makings of an IED and film it for a TV show. TSA caught them. pic.twitter.com/DCMa0ucAcl— TSAmedia_LisaF (@TSAmedia_LisaF) January 19, 2018
Endemol is the production company behind reality TV hits like The Biggest Loser, Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor, and Master Chef, and was reportedly filming for an upcoming CNBC reality show. In a statement, TSA spokesperson Lisa Faberstein said, “The group did not make it past the checkpoint because TSA officers detected the item, which was concealed in a roller bag,” adding, “the preliminary investigation has determined that the group wanted to ascertain if they could get the item through the security checkpoint while filming themselves doing so.”
Bustle reported that the crew was filming for the CNBC show Staten Island Hustle, an upcoming reality show. The network has not commented on the report.
In a written statement to NJ.com, a rep for Endemol said, “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.”
If those arrested are found guilty, they could face penalties of up to $13,000.
What do you think of the production crew’s stunt? Let us know @BritandCo!
(Photo via Spencer Platt/Getty)
