A Sacramento man has been charged by federal prosecutors for allegedly planning to detonate explosives on an airplane over the weekend.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers reportedly found an explosive device, a cell phone equipped with a countdown timer, and an enigmatic note in the man’s carry-on bag at Sacramento International Airport.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento announced that 49-year-old Kimani Osayande Jones, also known by the alias Jackson, was charged on Tuesday with the illegal possession of explosive materials. The incident reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Authorities stated that Jones appeared at a TSA security checkpoint for his flight to Charlotte, concealing his face with a scarf and donning blue latex gloves.
During their inspection, TSA agents allegedly found an unauthorized M-type pyrotechnic explosive, a torch lighter, a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can, and zip ties in his luggage.
Bomb experts from the FBI and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office subsequently tested and safely disposed of the explosive device.
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.
