Palmetto man removed from flight at TPA after causing security threat
Palmetto man removed from flight at TPA after causing security threat
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— A Palmetto man was removed from an American Airlines flight at Tampa International Airport after making a comment that was considered a security threat.
According to TPA, the Airport Operations Center received notification from the flight crew on American Airlines flight 3203 around 7:13 p.m. that was taxing for departure to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The flight crew reported that a male passenger made a comment to another passenger that was taken as a security threat to the aircraft.
The plane was escorted to a designated area on the airfield where Airport police boarded the aircraft and removed the passenger.
According to TPA, the remaining passengers were transported to the main terminal for rescreening by TSA, and the plane was re-screened by the Airport Police Department and was deemed safe to return to the gate.
FBI personnel interviewed the man removed from the plane, and he was released pending further investigation.
American Airlines released the following statement:
Prior to departure from Tampa (TPA), American Airlines flight 3203 was met by law enforcement due to a possible security issue. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.
American Airlines said the flight departed for Washington, D.C. this morning.
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