Woodridge, New Jersey native Dante Raymond Milne, 25, found himself in federal court after a drunken text message on United Airlines Flight 1681 sparked a security response at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Boeing 737 was en route to Newark when Milne, seated in 10C, sent a coworker in seat 37D a message that read, “I’m gonna hijack this b—‑ and crash ur row only.”
Flight crew acts quickly
Cabin crew members reported the threat to the captain as soon as the aircraft cleared 10,000 feet. Standard security protocols were activated, and the pilots promptly turned the aircraft around, landing back at the Las Vegas airport at 11:05 p.m. Police were waiting at the gate and escorted Milne and another passenger off the plane.
Why the text was sent
According to police reports, Milne had been drinking heavily before boarding, hoping to fall asleep during the five‑hour cross‑country flight. He admitted he fell asleep, woke up, and realized his joke had caused a serious disruption. When confronted, Milne initially claimed he could not remember the exact wording, but after investigators read the text back to him, he called the language “poor” and insisted it was merely workplace banter.
Legal consequences
Milne was booked on a felony charge of making a threat or false information regarding an act of terrorism. He posted a $20,000 bond and was released pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 5, where he plans to plead not guilty. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the incident.
Community reaction
Local officials and aviation safety advocates emphasized that jokes about hijacking are taken seriously under federal law, regardless of intent. “The safety of our passengers and crew is paramount,” said a spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Public Safety. “Any threat, even if meant in jest, must be investigated thoroughly.”
Milne’s attorney urged the court to consider the circumstances, noting his client’s lack of prior criminal history and the influence of alcohol. The case highlights the importance of responsible behavior on flights and the strict enforcement of aviation security rules.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
