US Authorities Identify Suspect in United Airlines Cockpit Breach Attempt
A Honduran national who illegally entered the US attempted to breach a United Airlines cockpit and claimed to have a bomb. The flight landed safely in New Orleans.
A passenger who attempted to breach the cockpit and claimed to have a bomb aboard a United Airlines flight earlier this week has been identified as a previously deported Honduran national, according to United States authorities.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the suspect as Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, an undocumented immigrant who had been deported from the United States twice in the past. According to federal officials, Gomez-Alberto entered the United States unlawfully three times between 2011 and 2019. Following his third entry, he was apprehended by the Border Patrol, but an immigration judge subsequently ordered his release.
Incident Aboard the Boeing Aircraft
The incident unfolded on Monday evening. United Airlines Flight 2174 departed from Newark Liberty International Airport bound for New Orleans at approximately 9:30 PM local time, operating a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft carrying 46 passengers and six crew members. During the flight, Gomez-Alberto began exhibiting erratic behavior, informed crew members that he possessed a bomb in his backpack, and attempted to force his way into the cockpit.
In response to the security breach, the pilots transmitted squawk code 7500, the international emergency code indicating a suspected hijacking. Air traffic control recordings revealed that the crew reported a passenger carrying a backpack and claiming to possess an explosive device. The reinforced cockpit door held firm, and the flight crew successfully subdued the suspect, seating him near the rear of the aircraft.
The flight continued to its destination and landed safely in New Orleans, where local sheriff's deputies awaited the aircraft at the gate. United Airlines confirmed the incident in an official statement, noting that the flight landed safely following a disturbance involving a passenger.
Following the flight, Gomez-Alberto was taken into federal custody and is currently detained in Louisiana without the possibility of bail. He faces severe felony charges, including making a bomb threat, making terrorist threats, and disrupting public order.
