Suspect Reportedly Shouted "Allah Akbar" As He Tried To Enter The Cockpit

A Yemeni man who was arrested Sunday after he allegedly tried to enter the cockpit of an American Airlines flight has been arraigned by a federal judge in California. Rageh Ahmed Mohammed Al-Murisi faces a prison sentence of as much as 20 years.

Al-Murisi reportedly strode to the front of the airplane shortly before arrival in San Francisco Sunday evening, and attempted to break down the cockpit door. An affidavit from a federal air marshal indicated that at first the flight crew thought he was confused, and tried to direct him to the lavatory on the plane. But then, he attempted to enter the cockpit by ramming it with his shoulder while shouting "Allah Akbar," which is a phrase has been associated with terrorism. It is also often used by Muslims engaging in prayer. Described as a "small" man, he was restrained by several passengers and a flight attendant.

The French news service AFP reports that Al-Murisi was traveling alone, with no checked or carry-on luggage, from New York to San Francisco. He reportedly changed planes in Chicago. He has family living near San Francisco, but they apparently did not know he was coming. Among the items he was carrying were several current and expired forms of New York and California ID.

Al-Murisi has not entered a plea. He is charged with interfering with a flight crew. His public defender has asked that he be released into the custody of his California family, and a hearing on that issue is scheduled for Friday.

FMI: www.cand.uscourts.gov