My crazy theory: his entire plan was to undermine the ability of Americans to bring firearms in their luggage.
Whose plan?
For punishment, just drop him out of a plane at 10,000 feet without a parachute. If he can fly, he is free.
For added punishment, take him to 20,000 feet so he has longer to think about hitting the ground.
Maybe TSA air police should have the authority to just shove them out of the plane.</s>