Overview
- Kimani Osayande Jones, 49, was stopped at a TSA checkpoint at Sacramento International Airport while trying to board a flight Saturday night and was arrested after agents found the device in his carry-on.
- Prosecutors say the bag held an M-type improvised explosive device described as a small cylinder with a fuse, plus a torch lighter, aerosol can, knives, scissors, zip ties and five cellphones.
- Authorities reported one phone showed a 15-minute timer ready to start and another displayed a message reading “we will be awaiting your call,” while Jones was wearing a face scarf and latex gloves at the checkpoint.
- Testing by prosecutors found the explosive powder and fuse were “viable and energetic,” and the U.S. Attorney warns detonation next to a plane window above 10,000 feet could have caused injury or loss of cabin pressure.
- Jones has been federally charged with unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the FBI and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office continue their investigation.