CHICAGO (WLS) — Wisconsin authorities reported to ABC News that a disruptive passenger aboard a flight on Friday night appeared to be in a state of confusion and experiencing a mental health crisis.
This incident unfolded as air traffic control communications captured the harrowing moments that led the pilot to declare a hijacking alert.
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The situation turned tense mid-flight when United Airlines Flight 2005, traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis, was forced to alter its course. The airline disclosed that a 75-year-old male passenger made several attempts to enter the cockpit.
The Boeing 737 had departed from Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday evening, carrying 147 passengers and six crew members.
However, just before 9 p.m., the captain redirected the flight to Dane County, Wisconsin, as five law enforcement officers onboard worked to restrain the man in the aisle.
Passenger Mike Rundle captured a photograph from his seat, noting that the individual clad in blue was not the suspect but was assisting as an interpreter.
“Five officers came on the plane, asked him to stand up, put handcuffs on him, and walked him out. We are taking this very seriously, and of course, you have to you never know the intentions of any person that might be trying to get into the cockpit of a commercial airplane,” Rundle said. “Somebody with the, some sort of device and a sweatshirt that said bomb squad walked by. We were going to have to go to the gate. So, law enforcement could sweep the plane.”
No injuries were reported. The remaining passengers resumed their flight after security checks.
The FBI is leading this investigation and told ABC News no charges will be pursued.
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