PHILADELPHIA — A northeastern Pennsylvania man is facing a federal charge after police say he brought fireworks to Philadelphia International Airport while trying to catch a cross-country flight.

Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan says 29-year-old Joseph Picklo is charged with possession of a destructive device for allegedly carrying explosives to a security checkpoint this morning.

Sullivan says Picklo had “commercial grade M-80s” in a backpack. He says Picklo told investigators he has a professional interest in the explosives.

A police spokeswoman said earlier the explosives may have been left in a bag accidentally. Sullivan says the situation is still under investigation.

The man remains in custody.

An airport spokeswoman says the checkpoint was closed for about 30 minutes but no flights were delayed.