A United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans landed safely late Monday night after a passenger allegedly claimed to have a bomb and attempted to breach the cockpit, prompting pilots to broadcast a hijacking alert.
Flight 2174 Triggers Level 4 Threat Alert Over New Orleans
United Airlines flight 2174 departed Newark Liberty International Airport carrying 46 passengers and six crew members. Flight tracking data indicates the evening journey lifted off from Newark at 9:27 PM and touched down at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at 11:07 PM.
A male passenger tried to breach the cockpit and said he had a bomb on board. Other United planes were alerted via ACARS from the FlightDeck app: "WE HAD AN ATTEMPTED LEVEL 4 NO OTHER DETAILS ARE KNOWN AT THIS TIME" https://t.co/jjWBsFqb2M
A Level 4 alert marks the most severe designation in aviation security, denoting an attempted or actual breach of the flight deck. Flight deck crew members also entered transponder code 7500, the universal squawk code for unlawful interference and hijacking, allowing pilots to alert air traffic control quietly without speaking on the radio.
According to aviation reporting, this specific transponder code lets pilots signal controllers non-verbally so that the individual behind the threat remains unaware that ground personnel are tracking the emergency.
WE HAD AN ATTEMPTED LEVEL 4 NO OTHER DETAILS ARE KNOWN AT THIS TIME
United Airlines flight crew, via flight deck message
Air Traffic Control audio reviewed by aviation commentators indicated that the passenger was directed to the rear of the cabin by flight attendants, where he remained until touchdown. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport received the aircraft at approximately 11:16 PM CST, and law enforcement officers met the plane upon its safe arrival. Passengers were deplaned and transported to the terminal building.
Rony Gomez-Alberto Booked at Jefferson Parish Correctional Center
Local authorities identified the suspect as 34-year-old Rony Gomez-Alberto, a Honduran national living in New York. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies stated that the passenger began acting irrationally and told crew members he carried a bomb in his backpack before attempting to reach the cockpit. Recordings from air traffic control and associated reporting noted that the individual spoke nearly no English during the journey.
Deputies took Gomez-Alberto into custody without incident as passengers deplaned to the terminal. The Jefferson Parish Correctional Center booked him on state charges of communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing.
Department of Homeland Security officials stated that Gomez-Alberto had crossed the Texas border illegally in 2011 and was deported, re-entered illegally through New Mexico in 2014 resulting in a second deportation, and entered illegally a third time in 2019 before an immigration judge ordered his release following a Border Patrol arrest. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed he is wanted by federal immigration authorities.
United flight 2174 from Newark to New Orleans landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger onboard. Law enforcement met the aircraft upon arrival.
United Airlines, official airline statement
Federal agencies are evaluating the next steps in the legal proceedings. The Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to investigate the mid-air disturbance, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will determine whether federal charges are filed. Sheriff’s office representatives indicated that a bond must first be set locally before any potential federal prosecution proceeds.
Earlier coverage: European Flights Hit by Hoax Bomb Threats Trigger Fighter Jets and Diverts
