A United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans was diverted to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport late Monday after a 34-year-old passenger attempted to storm the cockpit while claiming to possess a bomb, authorities confirmed.
The Boeing 737 Max 9, carrying 46 passengers and six crew members, landed safely, and the suspect was arrested without incident upon arrival. Law enforcement officials boarded the aircraft immediately after touchdown and took the individual into custody.
United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, noting the flight landed safely following a "disruptive incident involving a passenger onboard." The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, a resident of New York, and booked him with communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to investigate the incident.
Immediate Response & Arrest
Air traffic control received a Level 4 hijacking alert after the pilots reported an attempted cockpit breach, the highest aviation security warning. Gomez-Alberto allegedly changed into all-black clothing before attempting to reach the cockpit, prompting the crew to persuade him to move to the rear of the aircraft. The pilots remained locked inside the cockpit for the duration of the flight.
Upon landing, sheriff’s deputies and federal agents boarded the plane and arrested Gomez-Alberto. He was transported to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and charged with false bomb threats and endangering flight safety.
Immigration Status & Prior Record
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Gomez-Alberto, a Honduran national, had been deported twice from the U.S. in prior years. According to DHS records, he was first apprehended by Border Patrol in September 2011 near El Indio, Texas, and again in October 2014 near Columbus, New Mexico. He was removed both times.
In 2019, he was arrested again after another attempted illegal entry near San Ysidro, California. An immigration judge ordered his release in January 2020 pending removal proceedings, and he was subsequently released from ICE custody.
Following his arrest on Monday, ICE lodged a detainer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, signaling potential deportation proceedings.
Flight Safety & Passenger Impact
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are reviewing the incident as part of standard protocol for midair disturbances. United Airlines stated that the flight crew followed emergency protocols, and passengers were evacuated to the terminal after landing.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office did not provide additional details regarding Gomez-Alberto’s behavior or motives beyond his alleged bomb claim.
Legal & Policy Implications
The case raises questions about airline security protocols and the handling of disruptive passengers, particularly those with prior immigration violations. While Gomez-Alberto was not armed, his attempt to breach the cockpit triggered immediate emergency responses, including the hijacking alert.
Legal experts note that false bomb threats on aircraft are federal crimes under 18 U.S. Code § 35, which carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The FAA has previously emphasized that such incidents endanger passengers and divert critical law enforcement resources.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Gomez-Alberto made any statements regarding his intent or whether his actions were linked to a specific grievance.
Ongoing Investigations
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the criminal investigation, while ICE and DHS are assessing potential immigration enforcement actions. The FAA’s review will focus on whether cockpit security measures were compromised and whether additional safeguards are needed.
United Airlines has not indicated any changes to its security procedures but stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities.