Federal prosecutors have charged a man from Sacramento in what appears to be an attempted plot to set off explosives on a plane over the weekend.
TSA agents reportedly discovered explosives, a countdown timer on a phone, and coded messages in the man’s carry-on bag at Sacramento International Airport.
Kimani Osayande Jones, 49, also referred to as Jackson, was charged on Tuesday with the unlawful possession of explosives after an incident that took place around 9 p.m. Saturday, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento.
Authorities indicated that Jones, who was seen wearing a scarf over his face and blue latex gloves, arrived at the TSA security checkpoint ahead of his scheduled flight to Charlotte.
During a search of his baggage, TSA agents allegedly found illegal Type M incendiary explosives, along with a torch lighter, a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can, and zip ties.
FBI bomb technicians, along with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, examined and safely defused the explosives.
Officials mentioned that the device was described as containing “viable and energetic” explosives and included a fuse that had the potential for significant harm.
The statement noted, “The explosive device has the potential to cause personal injury, and if it were to detonate by a window of a pressurized aircraft flying over 10,000 feet, it could damage the aircraft and lead to a loss of cabin pressure.”
Investigators also reported that Jones had five cell phones in his possession. One of the phones was set with a 15-minute timer and appeared ready for use, while another displayed an unidentified number with a message stating, “We look forward to your call.”
Federal officials indicated that this discovery may have helped prevent a potentially disastrous situation.
Jones is currently being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail without the option for federal bail, according to sheriff’s records.
If found guilty, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine reaching $250,000.
