Authorities are investigating how the suspect bypassed airport security to access the aircraft.
Teen Armored with Shotgun Overpowered by Passengers on Flight
Teen Armored with Shotgun Overpowered by Passengers on Flight
A 17-year-old armed teen was subdued by courageous passengers on a Melbourne-bound flight.
In a shocking turn of events, a Jetstar flight preparing for departure from Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, experienced a terrifying incident when a 17-year-old, armed with a shotgun and ammunition, boarded the aircraft. The flight, destined for Sydney, carried roughly 160 passengers and crew. Preliminary investigations reveal that the teenager managed to infiltrate airport grounds by breaching a security fence, before climbing the aircraft's front steps.
Footage released by Australian news outlet 7News demonstrated the high-tension moment when the young assailant was subdued by courageous passengers, while a member of the ground crew and a pilot intervened to dismantle his utility belt, which contained tools. In another dramatic moment captured on video, the pilot was seen kicking the shotgun away from the teen, who was dressed in a fluorescent jacket, creating a scene of panic and disbelief among onboard passengers.
Victoria Police noted they had apprehended the suspect, whose home is located in the Ballarat area, and he is in custody pending further evaluation. Superintendent Michael Reid shared that passengers witnessed the teen's firearm as he ascended the stairs to the plane, emphasizing the extraordinary courage exhibited by three passengers who worked together to restrain him.
Reid assured the public that it remained too early to discern the suspect’s motivation but confirmed that local forces were collaborating with counterterrorism police on the case. Witness Barry Clark recounted the terrifying experience, revealing he had to push the gun away and restrain the suspect until law enforcement arrived, ensuring no injuries were reported.
Investigators further discovered a vehicle and two bags belonging to the young boy in proximity to the airport. Jetstar, the airline involved, expressed its gratitude towards passengers for their bravery in diffusing the situation and confirmed their cooperation with the authorities for the ongoing investigation. Following the incident, Avalon Airport has since resumed normal operations, and CEO Ari Suss declared it open for business once more.
Footage released by Australian news outlet 7News demonstrated the high-tension moment when the young assailant was subdued by courageous passengers, while a member of the ground crew and a pilot intervened to dismantle his utility belt, which contained tools. In another dramatic moment captured on video, the pilot was seen kicking the shotgun away from the teen, who was dressed in a fluorescent jacket, creating a scene of panic and disbelief among onboard passengers.
Victoria Police noted they had apprehended the suspect, whose home is located in the Ballarat area, and he is in custody pending further evaluation. Superintendent Michael Reid shared that passengers witnessed the teen's firearm as he ascended the stairs to the plane, emphasizing the extraordinary courage exhibited by three passengers who worked together to restrain him.
Reid assured the public that it remained too early to discern the suspect’s motivation but confirmed that local forces were collaborating with counterterrorism police on the case. Witness Barry Clark recounted the terrifying experience, revealing he had to push the gun away and restrain the suspect until law enforcement arrived, ensuring no injuries were reported.
Investigators further discovered a vehicle and two bags belonging to the young boy in proximity to the airport. Jetstar, the airline involved, expressed its gratitude towards passengers for their bravery in diffusing the situation and confirmed their cooperation with the authorities for the ongoing investigation. Following the incident, Avalon Airport has since resumed normal operations, and CEO Ari Suss declared it open for business once more.
