7 People from News Crew Were Arrested at Newark Airport
/It seems that the people at CNBC did not quite think this one through.
NJ.com writes that at least seven members of a television crew that contracts with CNBC 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.
"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.