U.S. Man Shot Dead After Hijacking Passenger Plane in Belize
The hijacker was identified as 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor—stabbing three passengers.
A U.S. citizen who hijacked a 13-passenger plane in Belize was shot dead after injuring passengers onboard before landing safely, as reported by ABC.
The hijacker was identified as 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor. He reportedly used a knife to make demands during the flight—stabbing three passengers—causing the plane to circle in random directions before making a full emergency stop to San Pedro.
Taylor was shot in the chest by a licensed armed passenger. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams described the licensed armed passenger as a “hero” to reporters. The injured passengers were hospitalized, as one was stabbed in the back—leaving a puncture to his lungs.
“A number of passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care,” Tropic Air Belize CEO Maximillian Grief said in a press release yesterday. “Our hearts are with them, and we are offering all available support.”
Authorities are currently investigating the incident to understand how Taylor managed to bring a knife onboard. He reportedly worked as a teacher in the United States, where his motivations were unknown to commit this heinous act.
Grief described the pilot as having shown “extraordinary courage and calm” while landing the aircraft safely, describing his action as heroic. He ensured safety is their top priority, emphasizing that pilots undergo training to counter any situations.
