A former University of Chicago student from Massachusetts is facing serious federal charges after allegedly causing an explosion in his dorm room last year and subsequently misleading federal authorities at Logan International Airport in Boston, CBS News reports.
Aram Brunson, 21, of Newton, MA, has been charged with one count each of falsifying, concealing, and covering up a material fact by trick, scheme, or device, as well as making false statements to federal officials.
According to federal prosecutors in Massachusetts, the incident emerged in January 2023 when Brunson caused an explosion while attempting to construct a large black powder device in his dorm room at Woodlawn Commons. The blast led to a fire as a result of which the dormitory was evacuated. At the time, Brunson reportedly informed authorities that he was merely trying to recreate a prank he had seen online.
Further probe revealed that Brunson, who is of Armenian descent, had intentions of engaging in terrorism to support Armenian causes. Prosecutors allege that Brunson made videos instructing others on how to create explosives and rigging various objects with grenades. A video discovered during the inquiry allegedly shows him aiming to aid Armenian speakers in establishing and operating an armed militant terrorist organization.
In August 2023, Brunson traveled to Logan International Airport to board a flight to Armenia, where his luggage set off alarms for explosive materials. Prosecutors claim that Brunson denied knowledge of how explosive traces ended up on his bags when questioned by Customs and Border Protection officials.
A search of Brunson’s home uncovered a notebook containing a recipe for making HMTD explosive compound. Law enforcement also reported that a bomb detection dog alerted authorities to three locations in his bedroom.
An arrest warrant for Brunson was issued on Tuesday, with the US Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts saying that he is believed to be residing in Armenia and attending the American University in Yerevan.
If convicted, Brunson could face up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for each of the charges brought against him.
