Israel Adesanya arrested at JFK; Are brass knuckles illegal in the U.S.A.? 

Israel Adesanya was arrested at JFK (John F. Kennedy) Airport in New York on November 16. for possession of brass/metal knuckles while attempting to get through airport security.

Brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters, are metal guards worn over knuckles for the purposes of combat. While there are no federal regulations governing the possession or use of brass buckles, many states have enacted legislation against them. States like Nevada, California, Vermont, Michigan, and New York, among others, fully outlaw brass knuckles.

New York Penal Law 265.01(1) outlines the class 'A' misdemeanor offense of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. It establishes certain objects that are automatically considered weapons, including brass knuckles, regardless of whether or not you had the intent to use that object unlawfully against another person. If found guilty, people could be punished with a one-year jail term plus fines.

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website establishes that brass knuckles are prohibited in carry-on luggage but allowed inside checked bags, the final decision to allow an item through the checkpoint lies with the TSA officer.

However, in Israel Adesanya's case, since JFK airport is within the jurisdiction of New York laws, the brass knuckles might have rang more than a few bells among the security personnel.

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Israel Adesanya "on his way home" after harrowing arrest at JFK airport

Israel Adesanya found himself getting arrested at JFK airport in New York after authorities found him guilty of possessing brass knuckles. The UFC star was briefly detained by the Port Authority Police near the American Airlines terminal at approximately 1:57 pm ET on November 16, 2022.

It appears that Israel Adesanya was flagged after his luggage went through a security check. Brass knuckles are illegal in the state of New York, and the TSA has strict rules about carrying them on airplanes.

However, the former middleweight champion's manager, Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management, issued a statement stating that the former UFC champion has already been released and he’s currently flying home to New Zealand:

“Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport, Israel [Adesanya] quickly disposed of the item and cooperated with authorities. He has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home.”

It remains to be seen if the Nigerian-born Kiwi's legal troubles in New York are over. If found guilty, he could face a maximum punishment of one year in prison.