Authorities Avert Disaster as Suspected Jihadist with Weapons Apprehended Near New York Airport
A suspected jihadist was apprehended near La Guardia International Airport with a cache of weapons in his SUV, averting a potential tragedy.
Judd Sanson, 29, was stopped by vigilant officers early on the morning of Wednesday, June 12, just blocks away from the major New York airport.
During the tense initial moments of the encounter, Sanson nervously reached under the seat of his SUV. Upon investigation, police discovered a loaded 9mm Glock pistol concealed beneath the driver’s seat.
Sanson attempted to explain his presence by saying, “Sorry, there are a lot of drunk people nowadays,” after being pulled over for having obscured license plates. He claimed to live in Jamaica and mentioned visiting his uncle.
However, police quickly noticed a knife strapped to his leg. Further inspection of his vehicle revealed an array of alarming items, including an MTA reflective vest, a makeshift axe hanging from the ceiling, a makeshift sword, nearly a dozen weapons, an NYPD bulletproof vest, and 179 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, investigators uncovered a “disturbing photo” on Sanson’s Facebook page, though specifics were not provided.
“This car stop averted what could have been a disaster for the citizens of Queens, New York City, and potentially even the country,” Queens Assistant District Attorney Dylan Nesturrick stated in Queens Criminal Court.
Sanson, with his long hair flowing over a black T-shirt reading “Dreamer: Into reality” with a rose emblem, stood before Judge Julieta Lozano. He was ordered to be held without bail pending a court appearance on Monday.
Prosecutors revealed Sanson had connections to Tennessee and Maryland but resided with his father in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, where he also supported his 1-year-old daughter.
His defense attorney, Thomas Montella of Queens Defenders, described Sanson as a “self-employed mechanic” and argued for reasonable bail, suggesting that the case primarily concerned the illegal possession of a firearm.
Nevertheless, the judge upheld the prosecution’s request to detain Sanson at Rikers Island without bail due to the gravity of the situation.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz highlighted the proximity of Sanson’s location to the airport, emphasizing the critical question of his intent.
Sanson, arrested at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday and subsequently interrogated at the 110th Precinct stationhouse, displayed a concerning demeanor by smiling and even grinning widely when asked by reporters about the origin of his weaponry.
Meanwhile, authorities executed a search warrant at his father’s apartment, discovering a Glock holding case inside.
This incident underscores the heightened alert and preventive measures taken by law enforcement to thwart potential threats, ensuring the safety of the public and the security of vital infrastructure like La Guardia International Airport.
Authorities Avert Disaster as Suspected Jihadist with Weapons Apprehended Near New York Airport
