A passenger aboard a domestic flight in Belize shot and killed a knife-wielding American who tried to hijack the plane on Thursday, police confirmed.
According to AFP, the incident happened shortly after a Cessna Grand Caravan operated by Tropic Air took off from Corozal, a town near the northern border with Mexico. The flight, carrying 14 people, was bound for the popular tourist island of San Pedro.
Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams said the man attempted to force the pilot to divert the flight “out of the country.” The plane circled near the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City before making an emergency landing due to low fuel.
Before the aircraft could come to a full stop, the suspect stabbed two passengers. One of the victims, who was legally carrying a firearm, then shot and killed the attacker, police said.
Authorities later identified the suspect as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old U.S. citizen and military veteran.
The injured passengers were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately disclosed.
The U.S. Embassy in Belize issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident, which occurred just ahead of the Easter weekend.
“It really highlights the importance of safety and security,” said embassy public affairs officer Luke Martin. “We have a strong relationship with Belizean law enforcement, and in times like this, that partnership proves crucial.”
