'Attempted terrorist attack' in Michigan, White House says

There are growing concerns this evening that what was initially thought to have been a firecracker stunt on a Delta Air Lines flight to Detroit today may actually have been a terrorist's attempt to blow up the plane.

U.S. media are reporting that a 23-year-old Nigerian man attempted to light a powdered substance as the plane was landing was subdued by fellow passengers.

Fox News is reporting that the man told investigators he's connected to Al Qaeda.

NBC says he admitted trying to set off a bomb.

At 7 p.m., CNN is quoting White House officials as saying that the incident was an "attempted terrorist attack."

The man is undergoing treatment tonight at the burn unit of the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

The plane, an Airbus 330, was carrying 278 passengers. "All passengers have deplaned and out of an abundance of caution, the plane was moved to a remote area where the plane and all baggage are currently being rescreened," said a statement from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. "A passenger is in custody and passengers are being interviewed."

Reports indicate that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are treating the case as a possible terror attack.

The White House says that President Obama has been briefed on the incident in Hawaii, where he's vacationing.

The president has directed that "all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel. The president is actively monitoring the situation and is receiving regular updates," says a White House statement.

To follow this breaking story, please go to your preferred online or broadcast source for U.S. news.