California Man Faces Charges for Explosive Device at Airport

A man from California, identified as Kimani Osayande Jones, is facing federal charges after attempting to pass through security at Sacramento International Airport with an explosive device in his carry-on luggage. Jones, who also goes by the name Kimani Osayande Jackson, was charged with unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Incident Details

Court documents reveal that Jones attempted to go through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint around 9 p.m. on May 30. He was preparing to board American Airlines Flight 2464 to Charlotte, North Carolina. Notably, Jones had his face covered with a scarf and wore blue latex gloves as he approached the security checkpoint.

A search of Jones’ carry-on backpack uncovered an M-type explosive device, a torch lighter, a knife, scissors, a scissor blade, an aerosol can, and zip ties. The device was a brown cylindrical object, approximately 2.5 inches long, with a green fuse at one end.

Investigation and Arrest

Jones initially claimed he was unaware of the items in his bag and offered to discard them. When officers informed him that disposal was not a simple option, he denied ownership of the backpack. Authorities arrested Jones at the airport while Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and FBI bomb technicians secured and safely removed the explosive device. They used a bomb-suppression blanket during the examination process.

Additionally, Jones had five cellphones with him. The complaint notes that all cellphones had tape covering their front-facing cameras, with one phone featuring a 15-minute timer. Another phone displayed a message indicating external communication was expected.

Further Findings

Tests conducted by bomb technicians determined the device contained viable and energetic powder, approximately 9.29 grams, suspected to be pyrotechnic or flash powder. The device posed a risk of causing serious injury and could potentially damage an aircraft if detonated at high altitude.

Jones’ checked luggage, already aboard the Charlotte-bound flight, was also screened. Investigators and explosive-detection dogs found no suspicious items upon arrival in North Carolina.

Previous Interactions with Authorities

The complaint mentions Jones’ prior contacts with the FBI, beginning in March. He reportedly called the FBI multiple times, claiming he was being followed and monitored. The FBI received about 13 such reports.

Legal Consequences

Following his arrest, Jones invoked his right to remain silent and was not interviewed further. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and two years of supervised release.