A man from Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to a frightening incident on a flight where he tried to force open the plane’s emergency exit door while making threats to harm everyone aboard.
Francisco Severo Torres, aged 34, was restrained by other passengers during a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston in March 2023.
He allegedly threatened a flight attendant by placing a hand on his neck, declaring, “I will kill all the men on this plane.”
According to announcements made by Massachusetts lawyer Lear Foley, Torres admitted to interfering with the flight crew using dangerous instruments.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 17, which could lead him back to life in prison.
Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the cockpit alerted the crew after it was discovered that someone was tampering with the emergency door separating first class from the rest of the cabin.
Torres even questioned if he had been caught on camera damaging the door handle. The crew identified him as a potential threat and insisted that the captain land the aircraft as soon as possible. After some time, he rose from his seat, aiming again for the exit door.
Footage captured by another passenger shows Torres, seeming in distress, asserting he was “taking over this plane” and would “kill all the guys on this plane.”
He then reportedly charged at a flight attendant while wielding a broken spoon, making stabbing motions.
Thanks to the quick actions of other passengers and crew members, Torres was subdued and arrested when the plane reached Logan Airport.
Upon questioning by police, he expressed a desire to open the door and jump out mid-flight. Witness testimonies indicated that many feared for their safety, aware that lives were at risk.
Initially, in July 2023, a judge ruled that Torres was mentally unfit for trial, citing his strange remarks during proceedings and determined that he required further treatment.
Witnesses revealed that just a week prior to the incident, he had stated in a barbershop that he was “half an angel and half a demon,” according to reports.
He was ultimately charged by a federal jury in September 2023.
