Overview
- Federal authorities say a 49-year-old Sacramento man was stopped at a security checkpoint after trying to pass through Sacramento International Airport with a homemade explosive in his carry-on.
- Explosive technicians examined the device and found the powder and green fuse to be viable and energetic, and prosecutors said a detonation next to a window above 10,000 feet could damage an aircraft and cause loss of cabin pressure.
- Prosecutors released photos showing a cardboard tube with a green fuse and said the carry-on also contained a torch lighter, a knife, plastic zip ties, latex gloves and other items.
- Investigators found five cell phones in the bag, including one with a 15-minute timer and another displaying the message “Estaremos esperando tu llamada,” and the suspect was charged federally with illegal possession of explosive material at an airport and appeared in court this week.
- The suspect’s public defender has said the legal process will reveal additional facts, and officials note the arrest occurred days before a separate, unrelated Bakersfield bank hostage incident that also involved an alleged explosive device.