Florida Man’s Booby-Trapped Rifle Sparks Alarm on Amtrak Train in New Jersey

Imagine boarding a train for a routine trip, only to discover that a passenger is carrying a suitcase packed with loaded guns—including a rifle rigged to fire without even pulling the trigger. That’s exactly what happened earlier this year in New Jersey, when Jeffrey O. Kennerk, a 34-year-old from Florida, turned a busy Amtrak route into a potential disaster zone.

The Zebra-Print Suitcase That Raised Red Flags

It all started on a chilly January morning at Newark Penn Station. Transit officers spotted an unattended white zebra-print suitcase sitting suspiciously near the subway entrance. After a bomb-sniffing dog gave it a clean bill of health, the officers cautiously opened the bag—and what they found was chilling.

Inside was a loaded Glock handgun, magazines filled with rifle rounds, and a pink duffle bag hiding a fully loaded AK-47-style rifle. This wasn’t just a random collection of firearms; it was a mobile arsenal ready for action. Security cameras caught Kennerk carrying two suitcases, including the zebra-print one, before purchasing an Amtrak ticket and boarding a train bound for Virginia.

A Close Call at Trenton Transit Center

Kennerk’s journey didn’t get far. At the next stop, Trenton Transit Center, officers boarded the train and confronted him. He claimed he’d accidentally boarded the wrong train, but the discovery of the weapons in Newark quickly unraveled his story. When police searched his remaining luggage, they uncovered even more guns—including a disassembled AR-15, several handguns, and a shocking find: a rifle booby-trapped with handkerchiefs wrapped around the trigger guard. When an officer tried to remove one, the rifle discharged without anyone pulling the trigger.

Charges and a Stark Warning

Now facing a mountain of charges—from unlawful possession of assault weapons to aggravated assault—Kennerk’s actions have left officials and the public shaken. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin praised the quick-thinking officers who prevented what could have been a deadly tragedy.

“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,” Platkin said.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday places, even on public transportation. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and swift action by law enforcement to keep communities safe.

What’s Next?

While Kennerk’s motives remain unclear, the investigation continues. Transit authorities are now reviewing security measures to prevent such alarming incidents from happening again. For passengers, this case is a wake-up call: sometimes, the most ordinary journeys can hide extraordinary threats.