Potential Disaster Prevented as Suspected Jihadist Arrested with Weapons Near Major New York Airport
A potential disaster was averted when a suspected jihadist was apprehended with an arsenal of weapons near La Guardia International Airport in New York.
Judd Sanson, 29, was stopped by vigilant officers early Wednesday morning, June 12, just blocks from the major airport. Following his arrest, he was ordered to be held without bail on Thursday, June 13.
During the initial tense moments of the stop, Sanson nervously reached under the seat of his SUV, where officers later discovered a loaded 9mm Glock pistol.
“There are a lot of drunk people nowadays,” Sanson reportedly told officers after being stopped for obscured license plates. “I live in Jamaica. I was visiting my uncle.”
However, officers had already noticed a knife strapped to Sanson’s leg, an MTA reflective vest, a makeshift axe hanging from the ceiling, and a makeshift sword inside the vehicle, according to Queens Assistant District Attorney Dylan Nesturrick in Queens Criminal Court.
Prosecutors revealed that nearly a dozen weapons, an NYPD bullet-proof vest, and 179 rounds of ammunition were found inside Sanson’s black Ford Explorer. Additionally, a “disturbing photo” was found on Sanson’s Facebook page, though details were not disclosed.
“This car stop averted what could have been a disaster for the citizens of Queens, New York City, and potentially even the country,” Nesturrick said.
Sanson appeared before Judge Julieta Lozano wearing a black t-shirt with the slogan “Dreamer: Into reality” and a rose design, his long hair flowing.
Prosecutors noted that Sanson has addresses in Tennessee and Maryland but currently resides with his father in the Hollis section of Queens, where he supports his 1-year-old daughter.
His attorney, Thomas Montella of Queens Defenders, described Sanson as a “self-employed mechanic” and requested reasonable bail for his client. However, Judge Lozano sided with the prosecutors and ordered Sanson to be held at Rikers Island without bail pending his next court appearance on Monday.
“It is concerning that he was a few blocks away from the airport,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said post-arraignment. “You’ve got to ask about the intent.”
Sanson was arrested around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday and questioned at the 110th Precinct stationhouse before being led out in handcuffs on Thursday for his court appearance. He smiled and grinned widely when reporters inquired if he had purchased his weapons on Amazon.
Meanwhile, officers executed a search warrant at his father’s apartment on Jamaica Avenue, where prosecutors reported finding a Glock holding case.