Emergency communications obtained by Fox News reveal the tense moments when law‑enforcement officers responded to United Airlines Flight 2174 at the New Orleans airport on Monday evening. The aircraft was bound for New Orleans from Newark, New Jersey when a suspect identified as Rony Gomez‑Alberto, 34, of Honduras, allegedly threatened to hijack the plane, claiming he had a bomb in his backpack.

Dispatch details

In the recorded radio exchange, a dispatcher reports, “We have him at the back door. The back door has been breached by him.” Officers then discuss their approach, saying, “We’re going to approach and enter through the rear of the aircraft” and asking, “Do we have any units on scene with a cage?” The suspect is described as a Hispanic male wearing a hat, approximately 5’7″ tall and dressed in all black.

Further calls indicate that the pilots remained in the cockpit with the door locked, while flight attendants were being escorted away from the aircraft. One dispatcher notes, “He doesn’t speak English,” and another adds, “One passenger had not told me he changed into all black before he started trying to reach the cockpit.” The audio captures officers urging the suspect to stay on the line and to notify them immediately if he attempted to move toward the front of the plane.

Arrest and charges

Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies apprehended Gomez‑Alberto on the tarmac and placed him in custody without bond. He now faces charges of terrorizing, communicating false information about a planned arson, and fugitive from justice. No passengers or crew were injured during the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Gomez‑Alberto had been deported from the United States twice before re‑entering illegally via California. He was released by a judge in 2020 and subsequently re‑entered the country without authorization.

Context and response

While the incident did not result in any physical harm, it underscores ongoing concerns about airport security and the challenges of enforcing immigration laws. Federal officials have not yet released a detailed investigation report, but the swift response by local law‑enforcement demonstrates coordination between airport security and Jefferson Parish deputies.

Authorities continue to review the audio and other evidence to determine whether the bomb threat was credible or a false alarm. The suspect remains in jail pending a court hearing.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.