Thaindian News

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — No explosives were found aboard a United Air Lines flight after a possible disturbance as it flew to Detroit on Wednesday evening, a BNO News source said. There were conflicting news reports on what took place.

ABC News reported that federal air marshals subdued the man who allegedly attempted to light his shoes on fire, and said authorities believe it is an attempted ’shoe bomb’ attack. CNN, however, reported that the man was smoking in the plane’s bathroom and then joked he was going to blow up the plane using explosives in his shoe.

ABC News identified the suspect as Mohammed Al-Madadi, a diplomat in the Qatar embassy in Washington, D.C. Al-Madadi has full diplomat immunity as the 3rd secretary and vice-consul. However, diplomats with immunity may be arrested in emergency circumstances involving self-defence, public safety or the prevention of serious criminal acts.

The incident involved United flight 663, a Boeing 757-200 which departed Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. at 5.31 p.m. EDT. It landed safely at Denver International Airport at 7.00 p.m. MDT. The United jet, which was carrying 157 passengers and 7 crew members, was directed to a remote location at the Denver airport.

Two F-16 fighters, under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), intercepted the aircraft at approximately 6.45 p.m. MDT. The agency said a passenger possibly caused a disturbance on the plane, and said the F-16s escorted the aircraft until it landed without incident at approximately 7.00 p.m. MDT.

A law enforcement official, whose identity was confirmed by BNO News but spoke on the condition of anonymity, said no explosives were found after a search of the aircraft.

“TSA is monitoring an incident on board United Airlines flight 663 from DCA to DEN after receiving initial reports that a Federal Air Marshal responded to a passenger possibly causing a disturbance on board this aircraft,” the Transporation Security Administration (TSA) said in a statement. “The flight landed safely at Denver International Airport.”

“Law enforcement and TSA have responded to the scene and the passenger is currently in custody,” the statement continued. “All steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the traveling public.”

Further details were not immediately available.