A suspected jihadist was apprehended with a cache of weapons in his SUV near La Guardia International Airport in New York. Judd Sanson, 29, was stopped by alert police officers just blocks from the airport early on Wednesday morning, June 12. He was subsequently ordered held without bail on Thursday, June 13.
During the initial encounter, Sanson reached nervously under the seat of his SUV, prompting officers to investigate further. Prosecutors revealed that a loaded 9mm Glock pistol was found beneath the driver’s seat. Sanson allegedly explained his presence by saying, “Sorry, there is a lot of drunk people nowadays,” and added, “I live in Jamaica. I was visiting my uncle.”
However, police had already noticed a knife strapped to Sanson’s leg, along with 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.
The vehicle contained nearly a dozen weapons, an NYPD bullet-proof vest, and 179 rounds of ammunition. Investigators also discovered a “disturbing photo” on Sanson’s Facebook page, though specifics 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 stated.
Sanson appeared in court before Judge Julieta Lozano, wearing a black t-shirt with the slogan “Dreamer: Into reality” and a rose graphic. Prosecutors indicated that Sanson has addresses in Tennessee and Maryland but resides with his father in the Hollis section of Queens and supports a 1-year-old daughter.
Thomas Montella of Queens Defenders, Sanson’s lawyer, argued for reasonable bail, noting, “This is, at the end of the day, a gun case.” However, the judge agreed with the prosecution’s request to hold Sanson at Rikers Island without bail, pending a return court appearance on Monday.
“It is concerning that he was a few blocks away from the airport,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz remarked after the arraignment. “You got to ask about the intent.”
Sanson was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday and questioned at the 110th Precinct stationhouse until being led out in handcuffs for his court appearance on Thursday. He smiled when questioned by reporters and grinned widely when asked if he had purchased his weapons on Amazon.
Following the arrest, police executed a search warrant at his father’s apartment, discovering a Glock holding case. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover Sanson’s full intentions and connections.
