Traffic Stop Leads to Terror Probe as Police Uncover Weapons and Ominous Messages

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A routine traffic stop in Queens, New York, on Wednesday morning quickly escalated into a terror investigation after police discovered a cache of weapons and unsettling messages etched on a baton inside the driver’s SUV.

According to police sources, the incident has raised concerns about the driver’s potential ties to terrorist activities, the New York Daily News reports.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Judd Sanson, was pulled over by officers at approximately 1:25 a.m. near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 86th Street in East Elmhurst.

The officers had initially noticed Sanson driving with a covered license plate, prompting them to initiate the stop.

Upon searching the vehicle, a Ford Explorer, police uncovered a disturbing array of weapons, including a Glock 9mm handgun, three knives, a dagger, and eight loaded magazines.

However, it was the discovery of an expandable baton, commonly known as an asp, that bore ominous messages.

Sources revealed that the baton was etched with four chilling warnings. One message read, “You left me no choice,” while another simply stated, “I am sorry.”

A third message stated: “You are going to learn today,” and the fourth message, written in Arabic, which reportedly translates to “God forgive me.”

In addition to the weapons found inside the vehicle, sources disclosed that Sanson was also in possession of an extensive collection of concerning items.

These included body armor, handcuffs, NYPD uniform items, two axes, a stun gun, and what was described as a weighted whip. The presence of such a wide range of weapons and tactical gear has further heightened suspicions about Sanson’s intentions.

Sanson was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and possession of ammunition.

Authorities are working to determine whether Sanson has any connections to terror groups or if he had been planning to carry out a terror attack.

Sources confirmed that Sanson’s social media postings and internet search history are currently being analyzed for any clues that might shed light on his motives and affiliations.

During questioning, Sanson provided police with a home address in Jamaica, Queens. However, the Ford Explorer in which he was traveling is registered to a 56-year-old man who is believed to be a relative of the suspect.

In April, FBI Director Christopher Wray cautioned Congress that events abroad could inspire individuals to commit terrorist attacks within the United States.

“Our primary worry has been that lone wolves or small groups will derive perverse motivation from the occurrences in the Middle East to execute assaults domestically,” Wray informed the House Appropriations Committee. “However, what’s becoming more alarming is the possibility of an orchestrated strike here on U.S. soil, similar to the ISIS-K assault we witnessed at the Russia Concert Hall just a few weeks prior.”

As of the conclusion of the 2023 fiscal year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had 2,700 ongoing domestic terrorism investigations and an additional 4,000 active cases within its international terrorism program.

“Domestic and homegrown violent extremists are often motivated and inspired by a mix of social or political, ideological, and personal grievances against their targets, and more recently have focused on accessible targets to include civilians, law enforcement and the military, symbols or members of the U.S. government, houses of worship, retail locations, and public mass gatherings,” the review read.

“Lone actors present a particular challenge to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. These actors are difficult to identify, investigate, and disrupt before they take violent action, especially because of the insular nature of their radicalization and mobilization to violence and limited discussions with others regarding their plans.”