Police arrested a suspected jihadist near LaGuardia Airport in New York City, uncovering a terrifying hoard of weapons and masks in his vehicle.
Daily Mail reported that Judd Sanson, 27, faces serious gun and weapons charges that could result in up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Sanson was stopped by police in East Elmhurst, Queens, for an obscured license plate. An NYPD officer noticed a black handle protruding from a holster on Sanson's right pants leg, prompting a full search of his black Ford Explorer. The search revealed a loaded 9mm gun, ammunition, knives, a machete, a stun gun, a whip, a body armor vest with an NYPD patch, an MTA vest, and a baton with disturbing inscriptions.
District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed grave concern over the incident. She noted the alarming nature of the weapons found just blocks from LaGuardia Airport. The baton was inscribed with phrases such as "Left Me No Choice," "You Gon Learn Today," and an Arabic expression meaning "Ask In God For Forgiveness."
Katz commended the NYPD for their vigilance during a routine traffic stop, potentially preventing a more serious incident. Living in his vehicle, Sanson is currently held without bail on Rikers Island. He is scheduled to appear in court later today.
A friend described Sanson as a 'quiet kid' who spoke about positivity and never discussed violence or terror plots. The friend also noted that Sanson had a heavy accent and was bullied for it in school. Originally from a Catholic family in the Philippines, Sanson recently converted to Islam.
The same friend mentioned that local shopkeepers had warned him about Sanson, indicating that there was 'something wrong' with him. Despite these warnings, the friend dismissed their concerns, believing Sanson to be harmless.
Sanson is facing multiple charges that, if convicted, could lead to a 15-year prison sentence. The investigation into his activities and intent is ongoing. DA Katz emphasized the importance of the NYPD's actions in preventing a potential threat.
District Attorney Katz stated:
When a person is pulled over and possesses a loaded semi-automatic gun, more than 170 total rounds of ammunition, multiple weapons, body armor, an NYPD patch and an MTA vest, just a few blocks from the airport, we are very concerned. This investigation is ongoing and I thank the NYPD for apprehending the defendant on a routine traffic stop before anything else happened.
The discovery of such a large cache of weapons so close to a major airport has raised significant alarm among law enforcement and local authorities. The community is now closely watching the developments in Sanson's case.
Friends of Sanson are shocked by the allegations against him, noting his typically positive demeanor and absence of violent tendencies. They also mentioned his difficulties with bullying over his accent and his tendency to internalize problems, which they believe could have contributed to his recent behavior.
Sanson's recent conversion to Islam and the disturbing items found in his possession have led to heightened scrutiny of his motives and potential connections to extremist groups. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover more details about his activities and any possible accomplices.
The arrest of Judd Sanson near LaGuardia Airport has raised serious security concerns, given the extensive arsenal found in his vehicle. Sanson, who faces multiple gun and weapons charges, is currently held without bail and is due to appear in court today. Friends and acquaintances have expressed shock at the allegations, describing him as a quiet individual who spoke about positivity. Authorities are continuing their investigation into his actions and possible motives. The incident underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement in preventing potential threats.
