US citizen attempts to hijack plane in Belize, shot dead by passenger
Babushahi Network
Belmopan [Belize], April 18, 2025 (ANI): A knife-wielding US citizen attempted to hijack a small Tropic Air plane in Belize on Thursday (local time), injuring three people before being shot dead by a fellow passenger, the New York Post reported, citing officials.
The incident occurred mid-air on a flight bound for San Pedro, when the 49-year-old suspect started attacking passengers with a knife.
The assailant was later identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a US citizen, according to Belize Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.
Commissioner Williams praised the passenger who intervened and shot Taylor, calling them a "hero", as reported by the New York Post.
Authorities said that it remains unclear how Taylor managed to bring a knife onto the plane.
Belizean officials have contacted the US Embassy for assistance in the ongoing investigation into the incident. (ANI)