FILE - Vehicles wait outside the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco on July 11, 2017. Two airliners aborted landings at San Francisco International Airport on May 19, 2023, after pilots spotted a Southwest Airlines jet taxiing across runways on which the other planes had been cleared to land. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday, May 25, that it reviewed the matter and determined that appropriate steps were taken to ensure safety. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Share and Follow

UPDATE: Delta Airlines co-pilot arrested at SFO identified, booked on child sex charges

(KTLA) – A Delta Air Lines co-pilot was taken into custody shortly after landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Saturday, according to passengers who witnessed the incident.  

Flight 2809 from Minneapolis arrived at SFO a little after 9:30 p.m. on July 26. But before any passengers were allowed to deplane the Boeing 757, around 10 federal agents, including Homeland Security Investigations and others identifying as Federal Air Marshals, “stormed” onto the plane and arrested the co-pilot, passengers told the San Francisco Chronicle and the travel outlet View From the Wing.

“A group of people with badges, guns, and different agency vests/markings were pushing their way up through the aisle to the cockpit,” according to a passenger who spoke with the Chronicle.  

The co-pilot was then “ushered” off the flight, the witness said.

A video taken by one of the passengers and shared with View From the Wing reportedly shows federal agents in plainclothes leaving the plane, while the other pilot watches the incident unfold from inside the cockpit.

As of Monday, the co-pilot had not been identified publicly. A representative for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return a request for further information.

FILE - Vehicles wait outside the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco on July 11, 2017. Two airliners aborted landings at San Francisco International Airport on May 19, 2023, after pilots spotted a Southwest Airlines jet taxiing across runways on which the other planes had been cleared to land. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday, May 25, that it reviewed the matter and determined that appropriate steps were taken to ensure safety. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Vehicles wait outside a terminal at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

After the incident, the pilot reportedly told the passengers he had “no idea” what was happening, a passenger told the Chronicle.

A correspondent for Fox News has reported that the co-pilot was arrested “on charges of child sexual abuse material,” citing a senior federal source with the information. So far, however, there has been no official confirmation of that from authorities.  

Reached for comment, Delta Air Lines told local affiliate KTLA that it was referring all questions about the incident to law enforcement.  

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Unsung heroes of 2025: First responders and everyday Americans who saved lives across US

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of 2025: How First Responders and Everyday Americans United to Save Lives Nationwide

In a year overshadowed by calamity and destruction, it was the quiet…
Russia strikes Ukraine ahead of Trump-Zelensky meeting

Russia’s Aggressive Move: Airstrikes in Ukraine Set the Stage for High-Stakes Trump-Zelensky Summit

In a series of early morning strikes on Ukraine, Russia has left…
Diff'rent Strokes child star Melanie Watson dies at 57

Remembering Melanie Watson: ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Star Passes Away at 57

Melanie Watson, a former child star from the beloved series Diff’rent Strokes,…
Our Chicago: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest Comes To Chicago

Chicago Takes Center Stage: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest Debuts in the Windy City

For the first time ever, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with…
U.S. Curling Team trains at Minnesota Vikings facility ahead of 2026 Olympics

U.S. Curling Team Prepares for 2026 Olympics at Minnesota Vikings’ State-of-the-Art Facility

Top-tier curlers are leveraging an NFL training facility to enhance their strength…
Martin Scorsese remembers 'beautiful' friendship with late Rob and Michele Reiner

Martin Scorsese Reflects on Heartfelt Bond with the Late Rob and Michele Reiner

In a poignant reflection, Martin Scorsese mourned the unexpected loss of his…
Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s deadly attacks finally drew global attention after Trump’s intervention

Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s Lethal Attacks Captured Global Focus Following Trump’s Intervention

JOHANNESBURG: As Christmas unfolds, millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa face threats…
American Red Cross, International WeLoveU Foundation host blood drive in Bolingbrook amid critical need for donations

Urgent Blood Drive: American Red Cross & WeLoveU Foundation Unite in Bolingbrook to Alleviate Donation Crisis

In the suburban community of Bolingbrook, Illinois, a wave of altruism swept…