Off-Duty Pilot Charged with 83 Counts of Attempted Murder After Alaska Airlines Flight Incident
An off-duty pilot has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after allegedly endangering an Alaska Airlines flight. The incident occurred when the pilot tried to shut off the engines by pulling the engine fire extinguisher handles while the plane was in mid-air. The flight, which was scheduled to travel from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, had to be diverted to Portland due to a credible security threat related to the unauthorized action of an occupant in the flight deck jump seat.
The suspect, identified as Joseph David Emerson, was overpowered and subdued by the flight crew before being handcuffed to a seat. He was later taken into custody and has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, along with 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one felony count of endangering an aircraft. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed these charges.
Alaska Airlines revealed that the suspect was travelling to San Francisco as part of a flight crew for a 737 aircraft. The airline stated that there were 80 passengers and four crew members on board the flight.
Passengers on the flight were unaware of the unfolding events until a flight attendant made an emergency announcement, instructing the plane to land immediately. According to passenger Aubrey Gavello, the pilot later informed them of a disturbance in the cockpit. Upon landing in Portland, law enforcement authorities boarded the plane and escorted the handcuffed suspect off.
The Federal Aviation Administration clarified that this incident is not connected to any ongoing world events, debunking the possibility of global threats. Alaska Airlines declared that investigations into the incident are underway, with law enforcement agencies and the FBI handling the case. The FBI further assured the public that there is no continuing threat related to this incident.
As authorities delve deeper into this alarming event, the safety and security of airline passengers remain a top priority. Such incidents underscore the importance of stringent security measures and thorough background checks for all individuals involved in aviation.
