Federal prosecutors have charged a Sacramento man after they say he may have been plotting to set off explosives on a flight over the weekend.
TSA officers allegedly uncovered an explosive device, a phone set with a countdown timer and a cryptic message inside the man’s carry-on luggage at Sacramento International Airport.
According to the US Attorney’s Office in Sacramento, 49-year-old Kimani Osayande Jones, also known as Jackson, was charged Tuesday with unlawfully possessing explosive materials following the incident that unfolded around 9 p.m. Saturday.
Authorities said Jones arrived at a TSA security checkpoint before a scheduled flight to Charlotte while wearing a scarf covering his face and blue latex gloves on his hands.
During a search of his bag, TSA officers allegedly discovered an illegal M-type pyrotechnic explosive, a torch lighter, a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can and zip ties.
Bomb technicians from the FBI and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Officer later tested and disposed of the explosive.
Officials said the device contained powder and a fuse that were both “viable and energetic,” making it capable of causing significant damage.
“The explosive device had the potential to cause injury and, if the explosive device had detonated next to a window on a pressurized aircraft flying above 10,000 feet, it had the potential to damage the aircraft and cause a possible loss of cabin pressure,” the statement read.
Investigators also reported finding five cell phones in Jones’ possession.
One phone allegedly had a 15-minute timer activated and ready to run, while another displayed an unidentified number alongside a message reading, “we will be awaiting your call.”
Federal authorities said the discovery may have prevented a potentially catastrophic situation.
Jones remains jailed at the Sacramento County Main Jail without bail on a federal hold, according to sheriff’s records.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
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