Fri, Jan 25, 2008
Reportedly Planned To Crash Southwest Jet Into Concert
It was, perhaps, not the most
well-thought-out of plans. FBI agents charged a 16-year-old boy
this week, who allegedly said he planned to hijack a commercial
airliner and commit suicide.
Officials told CNN the teen was taken into custody by Nashville
Airport police Tuesday, after flying from Los Angeles. "His stated
intent was to hijack the airplane and commit suicide," said FBI
spokesman George Bolds. "He did indicate he intended to die in
Louisiana. It appears he had a ticket to Louisiana."
Two CNN affiliates in Nashville report the teen intended to
crash the airliner into a "Hannah Montana" concert in Lafayette,
LA. Bolds said he had no information to confirm or deny those
reports.
FBI agents say the teen was traveling with handcuffs, duct tape,
and some rope or yarn -- all allowed items in carry-on baggage, by
the way. "His plan contemplated overpowering the flight crew,"
Bolds said.
The teen is now being held on unspecified state charges, and
might face federal charges as well. One Nashville television
station reports the teen was charged with felony terrorism.
Southwest Airlines spokesman Chris Mainz said the teen did not
appear to pose a threat at any time. "It is my understanding that
at no point in time during the course of the flight [from
California to Nashville] there was ever any safety concern," Mainz
said.
It's not clear how police became aware of the teen's plans, or
his presence on the flight.
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