United passenger arrested after threatening text leads to flight return to Las Vegas
A 25-year-old United Airlines passenger was detained after a flight attendant reported a threatening text, prompting the aircraft to return to Las Vegas and the passenger to face a terrorism-related charge.
A United Airlines passenger traveling from Las Vegas to Newark was arrested after a flight attendant observed him typing a threatening message on his phone. The text, which read, "I'm gonna hijack this ... and crash ur row only," was reported to the captain, leading to a lockdown and the Boeing 737’s return to Harry Reid International Airport about 15 minutes after takeoff.
The passenger, identified as 25-year-old Dante Milne, a trainee welder from Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, told investigators he had been drinking at an airport bar before the flight and was joking with a fellow passenger. He said the message was poorly worded banter and that he never intended to take control of the aircraft.
No passengers or crew were injured, and the plane was inspected after everyone was evacuated. Milne was charged with making threats or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism and released on $10,000 bail. His attorney indicated he plans to plead not guilty, and a court date is set for January 5.