‘My laptop is a bomb': The 'threat' that made airline issues $100 vouchers to all passengers
Allegiant Air
Flight 1023, which had just taken off from St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport in Florida and was heading to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia. The accused reportedly told a fellow passenger that his laptop was a bomb, leading to an emergency landing on Sunday, July 6.
The passenger, identified as
Taj Malik Taylor
, has been charged with making a false bomb threat – a federal offense that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both. Taylor is set to appear in federal court on Monday afternoon, according to the FBI.
'My laptop is a bomb' said passenger mid-flight
According to an FBI affidavit, Taylor was seated in the last row of the flight when he allegedly turned to a fellow passenger and said, 'My laptop is a bomb'. When questioned by seatmates, he reportedly lifted his laptop case and repeated the claim.
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'The passenger immediately notified the flight attendants,' the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. 'Detectives say several other witnesses on the plane also heard Taylor state that he had a bomb.'
Airline issues $100 vouchers to passengers
After being alerted, the crew decided to return to the departure airport. The flight landed safely around 2 pm (PT) with law enforcement officers waiting at the gate. 'Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind, so the decision was made to return to the airport,' the airline said in a statement to USA Today.
All passengers and crew were deplaned while the investigation was underway. The flight eventually resumed and reached Roanoke at approximately 7:57 p.m., five hours behind schedule.
'We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our passengers and thank them for their patience,' Allegiant said. 'As a gesture of goodwill, we will be issuing $100 vouchers to each itinerary, to be used for future travel.'
Accused claimed mental health issues
Taylor later told investigators he had been recently released from a mental health facility and had taken his medication the previous night. He said he was 'currently suffering from a lack of clarity,' according to the affidavit.
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