A man attempting to board a flight at Sacramento International Airport was apprehended after TSA agents discovered a homemade explosive device, multiple cell phones, and other concerning items in his carry-on luggage.
The traveler, identified as Kimani Osayande Jones, 49, was stopped on Saturday night as he attempted to board an American Airlines flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Agents found a knife, bladed weapons, zip ties, a butane torch lighter, and an improvised explosive device, described as a 2.5-inch brown cylinder with a green fuse, inside his backpack. The device was later determined by bomb technicians to be viable and energetic, with the potential to damage an aircraft and cause loss of cabin pressure if detonated at altitude.
Adding to the suspicion, five cell phones were also found in the bag, all with painter's tape covering the front camera. One phone was reportedly set with a 15-minute timer, while another displayed a disturbing message from an unknown number stating, "we will be awaiting your call." Jones reportedly told officers he was unaware the items were in his bag and offered to discard them. He subsequently invoked his Miranda rights and refused further interviews.
Jones faces charges of unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The complaint also indicates Jones has a history of paranoia and has made numerous calls to the FBI this year reporting threats and intimidation, including claims of being followed and having his life threatened. He reportedly mentioned exercising his Second Amendment rights and sought information on how individuals could access his personal data.
