Newly released security radio traffic captures the tense response after emergency crews were called to a United Airlines aircraft following an alleged attempted hijacking. Authorities say the suspect threatened to take control of the plane and claimed he had a bomb inside his backpack.
United Airlines Flight 2174 was traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to New Orleans on Monday evening when the pilots alerted authorities. Rony Gomez-Alberto, 34, of Honduras, was arrested and remains in custody.
The Department of Homeland Security previously told Fox News that Gomez-Alberto had been deported from the United States twice before allegedly crossing into the country again through California. A judge released him in 2020.
No injuries were reported. Audio obtained by 4WWL indicates the suspect may have been restrained near the rear of the plane while passengers exited.
Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, a Honduran national whom DHS says was deported twice, was arrested after an alleged attempt to breach the cockpit of a United Airlines flight on Nov. 9, 2026. (Department of Homeland Security)
In one radio transmission, a responder says, “We have him at the back door. The back door has been breached by him.”
A United Airlines aircraft in flight. United said Flight 2174 arrived safely in New Orleans after a passenger disturbance on Nov. 9, 2026. (Anadolu via Getty Images)
Additional dispatch traffic detailed how officers planned to handle the situation:
“We’re going to approach and enter through the rear of the aircraft.”
“Do we have any units on scene with a cage?”
“There’s a Hispanic male wearing a hat, probably something about 5’7.”
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“Stay on the line with him and tell him to notify you immediately if he starts trying to move toward the front of the airplane.”
“My guys, we got the passengers coming toward the cars. Let’s keep them corralled right by our cars.”
“I’ve been told he’s wearing all black.”
“Be advised, one passenger had not told me he changed into all black before he started trying to reach the cockpit.”
“All right, be advised, pilots are going to stay in the cockpit with the door locked. Flight attendants are going to come off, so we’re going to bring them off and bring them over here as well. He doesn’t speak English.”
“Aircom 400 subject in custody.”
A Honduran national allegedly attempted to reach the cockpit during a United Airlines flight. (iStock)
The audio does not identify which agencies were coordinating the response.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Gomez-Alberto. Jail records show he is being held without bond on allegations including terrorizing, communicating false information about planned arson and being a fugitive from justice.
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