Suspicion of Explosives Smuggling at Sacramento Airport

A man is under investigation for allegedly trying to smuggle explosives and other items into Sacramento International Airport on Saturday.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors charged Kimani Osayande Jones, who is also known as Kimani Osayande Jackson, with “illegal possession of explosives within an airport.” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced the charges in a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Court documents indicate that Jones, 49, was stopped by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials while going through a checkpoint around 9 p.m. He reportedly wore latex gloves and had a scarf covering his face.

According to the allegations, Jones had a Type M explosive concealed in his carry-on luggage, along with a lighter capable of igniting it. His bag also reportedly held a knife, an aerosol can, scissors, scissor blades, and zip ties.

In addition, Jones had five cellphones with him. One phone reportedly displayed a message that read, “I’m waiting to hear from you,” from an unknown number. However, law enforcement stated that the 15-minute timer in another vehicle was not activated.

Jones was apprehended by bomb technicians from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), while the FBI managed the explosives. It has been reported that tests on the explosives confirmed they were “viable and energetic.”

The press release noted that the explosive device could potentially cause harm. If it detonated next to a window on a pressurized aircraft flying at over 10,000 feet, it might damage the plane and lead to a loss of cabin pressure.

Currently, Jones remains in jail without bail as he faces federal charges. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to five years in prison and face a fine of up to $250,000, according to the Justice Department.