Former University of Chicago student charged with setting off explosion in dorm, lying to federal investigators

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A former University of Chicago student from Massachusetts is facing federal charges after allegedly setting off an explosion in his dorm room last year, and lying to federal agents months later when his bags set off explosive alarms at Logan International Airport in Boston.

Aram Brunson, 21, of Newton, Mass., is charged with one count each of falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact by trick, scheme or device; and making false statements to federal officials.

Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts said, in January 2023, Brunson triggered an explosion in his dorm room at the Woodlawn Commons at the University of Chicago while trying to build a large black powder device.