TSA says TV crew attempted to sneak fake explosive device through Newark airport

A television crew was arrested at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday after reportedly attempting to sneak a fake explosive device through security.

What are the details?

According to ABC News, the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement: "At least seven individuals have been arrested by Port Authority Police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected a suspicious item in a carry-on bag."

The item had "all of the makings of an improvised explosive device," according to NJ.com.

The outlet also reported that a law enforcement source with knowledge of the situation said the crew — later named as Endemol Shine Group — was filming for CNBC.

Julie Holland, a spokesperson for Endemol Shine North America, in a statement published by NJ.com 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."

What did the film crew do?

ABC News also reported that after a preliminary investigation, it appeared that the film crew — who were reportedly filming the incident — intentionally attempted to bring the item through security in order to see if TSA would successfully detect the device.

The item — which, according to WCBS-TV, appeared to be assembled from vacuum components and wires — was purportedly hidden in a roller bag.

Despite the film crew's reported intent to sneak the device through security, TSA did discover the device, and the crew was arrested on multiple charges. NJ.com reported that the Port Authority is investigating the incident.

Some of those charges — likely to be handed down from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office — may include false public alarm, conspiracy, and interference with transportation, according to NJ.com's law enforcement source.