A man from Florida, Jeffrey O. Kennerk, has been indicted in Trenton, New Jersey after he was caught boarding an Amtrak train with what authorities described as a “small arsenal” of weapons. He was found with assault weapons, large-capacity ammunition magazines, handguns, silencers, and a booby-trapped rifle that fired during his arrest at the Trenton Transit Center. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office expressed concern over the dangerous situation, stating that Kennerk left a suitcase containing various weapons and ammunition, including an assault rifle, in a public area where anyone could have been harmed. Kennerk was apprehended by law enforcement at the train’s next stop in Trenton after abandoning the bag he had left behind in Newark Penn Station.
The investigation into Kennerk’s possessions revealed a handgun with a fully loaded magazine, an AR-style magazine fully loaded with .223 ammunition, and additional boxes of 9mm and .223 ammunition in the bag he left at the Newark subway. Authorities also found a loaded Zastava Arms AK-47-style rifle, fully loaded magazines, an AR-15-style rifle separated into lower and upper receiver, multiple caches of ammunition, extended magazines, multiple handguns, another rifle with .300 AAC Blackout ammunition, four silencers, and hollow point ammunition in both 9mm and .22 long rifle calibers upon Kennerk’s arrest. The AG’s office also noted that one of the firearms discharged without the trigger being engaged, indicating that it may have been booby-trapped. This alarming discovery prompted Kennerk to be indicted on multiple charges, including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of weapons and assault firearms, and various other offenses.
Kennerk’s actions have raised concerns about public safety, as he allegedly transported a significant amount of weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations and aboard a train filled with passengers. The discovery of the booby-trapped rifle and other dangerous weapons in his possession underscored the potential harm that could have occurred if law enforcement had not intercepted him in Trenton. Authorities emphasized the importance of the outstanding police work that led to Kennerk’s arrest, preventing a potentially deadly situation from unfolding. The AG’s office outlined the charges against Kennerk, which include numerous second-degree crimes related to unlawful possession of weapons and assault firearms, as well as fourth-degree offenses such as unlawful possession of large-capacity magazines, hollow nose ammunition, and endangerment of others.
As Kennerk faces legal consequences for his possession of a dangerous arsenal of weapons, law enforcement officials and prosecutors continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his actions and assess the potential risks posed by individuals who possess such weaponry. The incident involving Kennerk highlights the importance of vigilance and thorough screening measures to prevent individuals with malicious intent from accessing and utilizing deadly weapons. Authorities also emphasized the need for public awareness and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities or behaviors that may jeopardize public safety. The indictment of Kennerk serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure the security and well-being of communities across the country and to hold individuals accountable for illegal possession of firearms and related offenses.
