Federal case follows weapons discovery near John Glenn airport construction site and prior state-level charges

Incident near new terminal work area

A federal firearms case is moving forward after authorities said a man was found with multiple weapons and ammunition near John Glenn Columbus International Airport, in an area tied to the airport’s ongoing terminal construction project. The incident occurred early Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, when construction personnel reported a suspicious person near the administrative area of the construction site at about 4:15 a.m.

Airport Police officers responded, located the individual and took him into custody. Airport officials said the man was not an employee and had no association with the construction project. The airport remained open and operational during and after the response.

What investigators say was recovered

Authorities said weapons and ammunition were recovered from two locations, including a nearby vehicle. A search of the broader construction site did not turn up additional weapons. Federal partners, including the FBI and the Transportation Security Administration, were notified and have been involved as the investigation continues.

• Time reported: about 4:15 a.m., Jan. 9, 2026
• Location: near the administrative area of the new terminal construction site at John Glenn Columbus International Airport
• Items recovered: multiple weapons and rounds of ammunition, including items located in a nearby car
• Airport operations: officials said the airport remained open

State charges and federal exposure

Airport officials identified the man as William Griffith, 40, and said he faced charges filed in Franklin County Municipal Court, including unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance, four counts of possession of weapons under disability, breaking and entering, and criminal trespass. Officials also said additional charges were under investigation.

The federal charge referenced in the case is separate from the municipal-court filings and can proceed on a different track. Federal firearms cases commonly focus on categories such as prohibited possession, weapon type and configuration, and the circumstances of transport and storage. The precise charging language and elements depend on what prosecutors allege and what investigators can prove in court.

Airport security context

The case comes amid ongoing enforcement efforts related to weapons at transportation facilities. TSA enforcement actions generally focus on weapons brought to passenger screening checkpoints, while law enforcement investigations can extend beyond checkpoints to airport property more broadly, including public areas, construction zones and parking facilities.

Airport officials credited construction personnel for reporting the suspicious person quickly and said established safety procedures helped address the situation without interrupting airport operations.

What happens next

Key next steps typically include the defendant’s initial federal court appearance, decisions on detention or bond, and the release of charging documents that spell out the allegations in detail. Separately, the municipal-court case will proceed under Ohio criminal procedure unless charges are amended or transferred as prosecutors review the evidence and coordinate across jurisdictions.