Newly released security radio traffic captures the tense response after emergency crews were called to a United Airlines jet following an alleged cockpit breach. The suspect reportedly threatened to hijack the aircraft and claimed he had a bomb in his backpack.
United Airlines Flight 2174 was traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to New Orleans on Monday evening when the pilots raised the alarm. Rony Gomez-Alberto, 34, of Honduras, was later taken into custody and remains jailed.
The Department of Homeland Security previously told Fox News that Gomez-Alberto had been deported from the United States twice before allegedly reentering the country through California. A judge released him in 2020.
No injuries were reported. Audio obtained by 4WWL suggests the suspect may have been restrained near the rear of the plane while passengers exited the aircraft.
Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, a Honduran national whom DHS says was deported twice, was arrested after an alleged attempt to breach the cockpit of a United Airlines flight on Nov. 9, 2026. (Department of Homeland Security)
One radio transmission states, “We have him at the back door. The back door has been breached by him.”
A United Airlines aircraft in flight. The airline said Flight 2174 arrived safely in New Orleans after a passenger disturbance on Nov. 9, 2026. (Anadolu via Getty Images)
“We’re going to approach and enter through the rear of the aircraft.”
“Do we have any units on scene with a cage?”
“There’s a Hispanic male wearing a hat, probably something about 5’7.”
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“Stay on the line with him and tell him to notify you immediately if he starts trying to move toward the front of the airplane.”
“My guys, we’ve got the passengers coming toward the cars. Let’s keep them corralled right by our cars.”
“I’ve been told he’s wearing all black.”
“Be advised, one passenger told me he changed into all black before he started trying to reach the cockpit.”
“All right, be advised, the pilots are going to remain in the cockpit with the door locked. Flight attendants are going to come off, so we’ll bring them over here as well. He doesn’t speak English.”
“Aircom 400, subject in custody.”
A Honduran national allegedly attempted to force his way toward the cockpit during a United Airlines flight. (iStock)
The dispatch recording does not identify which agencies were coordinating the emergency response.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested the suspect. Jail records list him as being held without bond on charges of terrorizing, communicating false information about planned arson and fugitive from justice.
