Airport Security Uncovers Explosives in Man's Carry-on Bag
WHO:
CNN - Kimani Osayande Jones, 49, is the individual charged.
CNN - Jones is also known by the last name Jackson.
CNN - His attorney is Meghan McLoughlin.
WHAT:
ABC News - Jones was detained at the Sacramento International Airport after attempting to go through a security checkpoint with an explosive device in his carry-on bag.
Boston.com News - Jones was wearing a scarf covering his face and latex gloves during the incident.
CNN - Investigators stated that the explosive device had the potential to damage an aircraft and cause a loss of cabin pressure.
CNN - Upon arrival, Jones' other luggage was hand-searched and examined by a canine unit, which found nothing “illegal or concerning.”
CNN - When officers found the explosive device, Jones claimed he was unaware of the items in his possession and suggested he would be okay with discarding them.
CNN - Jones denied ownership of the backpack containing the explosive device when authorities informed him it could not simply be thrown away.
CNN - Jones was charged with unlawful possession of explosive material at an airport.
CNN - He attempted to bring an improvised explosive device, a knife, other bladed weapons, a torch lighter, and zip ties through a TSA security checkpoint.
CNN - The explosive device was determined to be “viable and energetic.”
CNN - If convicted, Jones faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
CNN - Jones had five mobile phones in his possession, with cameras covered in painter’s tape.
CNN - One phone contained a 15-minute timer ready to start, and another had a message stating, “we will be awaiting your call.”
WHERE:
CNN - The incident occurred at Sacramento International Airport.
CNN - Jones' luggage was loaded onto an American Airlines flight to Charlotte, North Carolina.
WHEN:
CNN - The incident occurred on May 30.
CNN - Jones made approximately 13 calls to the FBI tip line beginning in March.
CNN - On May 24, Jones reported being followed and threatened during a call to the FBI.
WHY:
CNN - The caller to the FBI tip line referenced exercising his Second Amendment rights while denying any intention to harm others.
CNN - Authorities believe Jones was experiencing paranoia and reported feeling threatened and intimidated in the months leading up to the incident.
CNN - Jones claimed he was “being coerced in sleep to say certain phrases through digital media” and attributed outside sounds to drones.
HOW:
CNN - The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office noted it had prior contact with Jones, indicating he had a history of being paranoid.
CNN - The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office bomb technicians safely removed the explosive device and tested its components.
CNN - Jones went through security wearing a face covering and blue latex gloves.
(UPDATED June 4, 2026 17:53 UTC)
Jones was detained at the Sacramento International Airport after trying to pass through a security checkpoint with an explosive device in his carry-on bag. During the incident, he was seen wearing a scarf that covered his face and latex gloves. Authorities are currently investigating the situation further.
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(UPDATED June 4, 2026 13:58 UTC)
Investigators have revealed that an explosive device discovered in a backpack had the potential to damage an aircraft and compromise cabin pressure. When questioned, the individual, identified as Jones, denied ownership of the backpack and claimed he was unaware of its contents, despite earlier stating he would be okay with discarding them. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that they had previous encounters with Jones, who has a history of paranoia, and a caller to the FBI tip line mentioned exercising Second Amendment rights while denying any intent to harm others.
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(UPDATED June 4, 2026 04:22 UTC)
Kimani Osayande Jones, also known as Jackson, has been charged with unlawful possession of explosive material at Sacramento International Airport after attempting to bring a viable improvised explosive device, a knife, and other weapons through a TSA checkpoint. His luggage was loaded onto an American Airlines flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, and authorities found that he had five mobile phones, one of which contained a timer ready to start and another with a concerning message. If convicted, Jones could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as he reportedly experienced paranoia and claimed to be coerced by outside influences leading up to this incident.