California Man Charged with Carrying Explosive Device at Airport

A man from California faces federal charges after allegedly trying to pass through Sacramento International Airport security with an explosive device. Kimani Osayande Jones, also known as Kimani Osayande Jackson, age 49, is accused of possessing explosive material at an airport according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Incident Details

Court documents state that on the night of May 30, Jones attempted to pass through a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at approximately 9 p.m. He was preparing to board American Airlines Flight 2464 from Sacramento to Charlotte, North Carolina. Authorities noted that Jones was wearing a scarf over his face and blue latex gloves at the time.

A photo from a federal criminal complaint shows the explosive device discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Sacramento International Airport. (U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California)

During a search of his carry-on backpack, authorities found 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 sticking out from one end.

Further Investigation and Arrest

Jones reportedly told officers he was unaware of the items in his bag and offered to discard them. However, after being informed that explosive devices cannot be discarded, he denied owning the backpack. He was arrested at the airport, and bomb technicians from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI secured the area, safely removing the device. A bomb-suppression blanket was used during the examination.

Federal investigators detailed additional items such as a knife, scissors, and a lighter found in the carry-on bag of the arrested individual. (U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California)

Additional Items Found

Prosecutors reported Jones possessed five cellphones with tape covering the cameras. One phone had a timer ready to start, and another displayed a message indicating someone awaited his call. Bomb technicians later tested the explosive device, verifying the powder and fuse were active. It contained about 9.29 grams of suspected pyrotechnic or flash powder; further laboratory analysis is pending.

The device posed a risk of serious injury and could have potentially damaged the aircraft if detonated near a window at high altitude.

Additional Investigation

Jones’ checked luggage, already screened and loaded onto the flight, was subsequently searched upon arrival in Charlotte, uncovering no suspicious content. Federal investigators detailed several contacts, believed to be from Jones, with the FBI beginning in March. The reports involved claims of being threatened and monitored. Jones invoked his right to remain silent post-arrest and did not provide further information to investigators.

Legal Consequences

If convicted, Jones could face up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and two years of supervised release.