On the evening of November 9, a United Airlines flight experienced a bomb threat incident that raised significant alarm among passengers and crew. A male passenger reportedly claimed to be in possession of explosives and attempted to breach the cockpit, prompting the pilot to issue a hijacking alert. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely in New Orleans, where all 46 passengers and 6 crew members were unharmed, while the individual involved was taken into custody.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Rony Gomez-Alberto, is a citizen of Honduras. According to information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he has previously been deported twice for illegal entry into the United States, only to re-enter the country in 2019. In light of these events, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has made a request to local authorities for his detention following the incident.
Reports indicate that United Airlines Flight 2174 took off from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey around 9:30 PM, bound for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. During the flight, pilots communicated with air traffic control, reporting that someone was attempting to breach the cockpit and issued the highest level of aviation security threat warning labeled as “Level 4.”
According to air traffic control recordings, just before the suspect made his move towards the cockpit, he was seen changing into all-black attire. The crew managed to persuade him to move to the back of the cabin, where they were able to contain him until the plane landed. After the aircraft arrived at its destination, emergency personnel coordinated the evacuation of passengers while the two pilots remained securely in the locked cockpit.
An on-scene emergency responder stated, “At this moment, the only individuals on the aircraft are the captain and the first officer. They are currently in the locked cockpit.”
The aircraft safely landed at approximately 11:15 PM local time at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The suspect remained on board during negotiations with the police before he was ultimately apprehended.
According to an official statement from United Airlines, the aircraft landed safely after a “disruption event was initiated by a passenger.” Law enforcement personnel were present to handle the situation upon the flight’s arrival. The aircraft involved in this incident was identified as a Boeing 737 MAX 9.
Citing a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security, reports noted that Gomez-Alberto had previously been arrested for illegal entry near El Indio, Texas, in September 2011, and again in Columbus, New Mexico, in October 2014. Both times, he was deported.
The spokesperson further revealed that Gomez-Alberto re-entered the U.S. in 2019 from the California border town of San Ysidro, where he was arrested by the Border Patrol. In January 2020, a judge ordered his release while awaiting deportation proceedings, allowing him to leave the ICE detention facility.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that, as of November 10, ICE has submitted a detention request to local law enforcement agencies.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that the suspect exhibited erratic behavior on the aircraft, claiming to have a bomb. He was arrested without incident once the plane had landed. The suspect was transported to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, where he faces charges related to making false statements regarding plans to commit arson and intimidation.
In response to the alarming events, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced its intentions to conduct a further investigation into the matter, underscoring the importance of ensuring passenger safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.