Florida man accused of bringing weapons ‘arsenal’ on Amtrak train indicted

A Florida man has found himself in hot water after being indicted in Trenton, New Jersey, for allegedly boarding an Amtrak train with a “small arsenal” of weapons. Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, hailing from Fort Lauderdale, was apprehended on Jan. 3 with a plethora of deadly weapons including assault rifles, handguns, silencers, and large-capacity ammunition magazines. The arrest took place at the Trenton Transit Center, sending shockwaves through the community.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office released a statement on April 16, expressing grave concern over the incident. Platkin condemned Kennerk’s actions, stating, “This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers.” He further added, “If not for the outstanding police work done in this matter, we can only imagine where this defendant and these weapons would have ended up.”

The arrest was made possible thanks to a tip received by a New Jersey Transit Police officer who discovered an unattended zebra-print suitcase near the entrance to the Newark subway. Upon inspection, the officer found a loaded handgun with an 18-round magazine, an AR-style magazine with .223 ammunition, and various boxes of 9mm and .223 ammunition. A loaded Zastava Arms AK-47-style rifle and several fully loaded magazines were also uncovered in a secondary compartment of the bag.

According to authorities, Kennerk briefly abandoned the bag to purchase a ticket to Virginia before boarding the Amtrak train in Newark. Law enforcement intercepted him at the train’s next stop in Trenton, where additional weapons and ammunition were discovered. These included an AR-15-style rifle, multiple extended magazines, handguns, and a rifle with .300 AAC Blackout ammunition.

During Kennerk’s arrest, a shocking discovery was made when an officer attempted to render one of the firearms safe. The gun discharged without the trigger being engaged, indicating that it was allegedly booby-trapped. Additionally, four silencers and hollow point ammunition in various calibers were found in his possession.

Kennerk has been indicted on multiple charges, including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of weapons, unlawful possession of assault firearms, aggravated assault, and certain persons not to have weapons. He also faces charges for unlawful possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, possession of hollow nose ammunition, possession of a silencer, endangering others, and causing or risking widespread injury or damage.

As the case unfolds, the public awaits further developments. The severity of the charges against Kennerk underscores the importance of strict gun control measures and vigilance in preventing potential acts of violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who possess illegal weapons and underscores the crucial role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.