One possibility people seem to be overlooking is that this outcome -- getting arrested and having the case discussed in the press -- is exactly what the artist wanted.
One of the greatest purposes of art is to hold up a mirror to society, and McGann has done that very well here.
If that was his intent, I applaud it, and will be happy to chip in to his defense fund if one of his friends will start a collection.
Absolutely agree with what probably happened. Everything I've read about this mentions wires and fuses. As bad as the TSA is, it seems entirely more probable that an artist wanted to make a point, by using items that draw attention, without actually being illegal. If this is just some guy with an eccentric watch, I hope they backtrack and let him go. But if it's someone trying to incite a reaction, then you can't really complain about being arrested.
One of the greatest purposes of art is to hold up a mirror to society, and McGann has done that very well here.
If that was his intent, I applaud it, and will be happy to chip in to his defense fund if one of his friends will start a collection.