U.S. Citizens Aboard Hijacked Flight; Trump Calls It ‘Incredible’
U.S. citizens among 174 passengers on a Tel Aviv-bound flight that crashed after a co-pilot stabbed the pilot. Trump calls it an ‘incredible story’.
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Four U.S. citizens were among 174 passengers on a Tel Aviv-bound flight that plunged midair after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot and tried to crash the plane. The incident, which forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, has left authorities scrambling to understand the chaos that unfolded in the cockpit.
Co-Pilot Allegedly Stabbed Pilot, Plane Plunged 14,000 Feet
According to Fox News, the flight operated by flydubai from Dubai experienced a sudden and violent drop after the co-pilot reportedly stabbed the pilot. The plane, which lost contact with air traffic control, plummeted nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before being forced to land in Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew members survived the incident, though the pilot was in critical condition.
Trump Reacts, Calls Co-Pilot a ‘Whack Job’
President Donald Trump weighed in on the incident, calling it an ‘incredible story.’ He suggested that the co-pilot may have been a ‘terrorist’ or a ‘whack job’ for stabbing the pilot. Trump praised the captain for opening the cockpit door, a feat he described as ‘amazing’ and ‘heroic.’ He also recounted an account from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an Israeli plumber who intervened during the crisis.
Israeli Plumber Subdues Suspected Terrorist
Trump described how the Israeli plumber, who had no flying experience, managed to take control of the plane and level it out before it crashed. ‘He ripped the G forces as they were… he ripped this guy out of the seat, threw him back. The crowd got him. The passengers got him, grabbed him,’ Trump said, reiterating Netanyahu’s account.
Israeli Officials Declare Incident a Terror Attack
Israeli officials have declared the incident a terror attack, with the suspected hijacker, an Omani co-pilot, arrested and taken into custody. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled after initial fears that the aircraft had been hijacked, though the plane ultimately landed safely.
Homeland Security Downplays Threats to U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin downplayed threats to the American homeland, stating that the Transportation Security Administration is always on ‘high alert.’ He emphasized that the incident is part of an ongoing investigation and that security procedures remain robust.
Airline Plans to Resume Flights
Israeli airline Arkia has announced plans to resume direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai once ‘operational and logistical conditions’ allow. The carrier is preparing to operate two daily flights on the route, pending approval from security authorities.
Source: Daily Wire
