PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Morgantown resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm.
Zachary Vincent Velling, 26, is accused of entering the Pittsburgh International Airport with a MK24 MOD 0,6 bang/flash diversionary hand grenade November 12, 2024.
Transportation Security Administration workers noticed a suspicious object within Velling’s luggage and the Allegheny County Police Department ultimately determined the item has a flash/bang grenade.
“Attempting to pass through airport security with any firearm or destructive device poses an unacceptable risk of harm to the innocent traveling public,” Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti said. “This danger is heightened when, as in this case, the destructive device is possessed illegally. We are steadfast in our commitment to work with our partners at the FBI, ATF, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and Transportation Security Administration to ensure safe air travel.”
Because of the indictment the original charges of possession of an offensive weapon and criminal contempt have been dropped in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas.
Velling faces a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.