Passenger arrested after claiming bomb on Newark-to-New Orleans flight
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A 34-year-old passenger was arrested after allegedly claiming to have a bomb aboard a United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans, authorities said.
The incident occurred on United Flight 2174, a Boeing 737 Max 9 carrying 46 passengers and six crew members.
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rony Gomez-Alberto began acting irrationally around 11:20 PM and told crew members he had a bomb on board.
Some reports indicated he approached or attempted to reach the cockpit area while carrying a backpack he claimed contained an explosive.
Flight crew members isolated the man toward the rear of the aircraft despite a reported language barrier.
The pilots transmitted the emergency transponder code 7500, signaling unlawful interference or a hijacking threat, and the plane continued to its destination.
It landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
United Airlines said in a statement that the airplane “landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger onboard” and that law enforcement “met the aircraft upon arrival.”
Passengers were deplaned and taken to the terminal while deputies took the man into custody without incident.
No explosive device was found; K-9 units swept the aircraft.
Gomez-Alberto was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on charges of communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing.
He was being held without bail.
The sheriff’s office identified him as a New York man; federal authorities later noted an ICE detainer and prior immigration history involving Honduras.
Sgt. Brandon Veal, a spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, said the man “began acting irrationally while on a United Airlines flight about 11:20 PM, including informing the crew that he had a bomb.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said it planned to investigate the incident.
Local reports indicated many passengers were unaware of the disruption until after landing, when they saw police vehicles and flashing lights.
Airport operations returned to normal, and no injuries were reported.
