Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, a 28-year-old Jordanian national, has been identified as the suspect behind the hours-long shutdown of Interstate 85 near Greenville, South Carolina.
The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, caused widespread disruption and a large-scale emergency response.
Incident Overview
The chaos began when Alhendi allegedly issued a bomb threat during a routine traffic stop conducted by South Carolina Transport Police near Exit 44 at White Horse Road.
This alarming claim triggered an immediate and extensive response from law enforcement, including SWAT teams, bomb squads, and federal agencies.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) reported severe traffic congestion in the area as authorities worked to address the situation. Interstate 85 was closed for several hours, affecting thousands of drivers.
Greenville County deputies were joined by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) bomb squad and FBI agents to manage the potential threat. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster confirmed the shutdown was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
“I-85 near mile marker 44 is temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution due to a bomb threat issued during a routine traffic stop this afternoon by SC Transport Police,” Governor McMaster stated.
“SCDOT and state law enforcement are on the scene, and normal I-85 traffic will resume once the tractor-trailer is swept and cleared by SLED’s bomb squad.”
Footage shared on social media showed a large law enforcement presence surrounding the area, with an 18-wheeler being the focus of their investigation.
BREAKING: Police have shutdown I-85 in Greenville County, South Carolina due to a bomb threat involving this 18-wheeler. pic.twitter.com/BUmY6LXSnK
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) January 2, 2025
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Alhendi was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including:
- Breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature.
- Conveying false information regarding a bomb threat.
- Operating a vehicle without a valid license.
According to WYFF4, his bond has been set at $20,238 cash.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Alhendi. He entered the United States legally in 2018 but has since violated the terms of his admission.
Alhendi now faces deportation proceedings, with a hearing scheduled for August 2026.
Governor McMaster and law enforcement agencies reassured the public that the measures taken were necessary to prevent any potential danger. Once the SLED bomb squad cleared the vehicle, the highway was reopened, restoring normal traffic flow.
“The safety of South Carolinians is our top priority,” said Governor McMaster. “We acted swiftly and decisively to address the situation, and I commend our law enforcement officers for their professionalism and diligence.
JUST IN: The suspect who caused a shutdown of I-85 in Greenville, South Carolina, with a bomb threat has been identified
Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi is charged with “breach of peace of high and aggravated nature,” “conveying false information about a bomb threat,” and “no… pic.twitter.com/senwUyn2V7
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) January 3, 2025
The incident has drawn significant attention both locally and nationally. Videos and updates about the shutdown circulated widely on social media, with users expressing relief that the situation was resolved without injury.
