West Virginia man who attempted to carry flashbang grenade onto plane pleads guilty to possessing unregistered firearm (DOJ)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Morgantown, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Zachary Velling, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak on September 2, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on November 12, 2024, Velling entered security at the Pittsburgh International Airport and placed his carry-on luggage through the x-ray machine. Representatives with the Transportation Security Administration noticed a suspicious object within Velling's luggage, which officers from the Allegheny County Police Department ultimately determined to be a MK24 MOD 0,6 Bang/Flash diversionary hand grenade. The grenade is a firearm and destructive device under federal law that was not registered to Velling in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Judge Hornak scheduled Velling's sentencing for January 7, 2027. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Allegheny County Police Department, and Transportation Security Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Velling.