Newly released security audio has provided a detailed look at the tense exchange between emergency personnel and an aircraft on the tarmac in New Orleans. The recordings document the response to an alleged hijacking threat involving United Airlines flight 2174, which was arriving from Newark, New Jersey, on Monday evening. The incident centered on a 34 year old Honduran national named Rony Gomez Alberto, who is now in custody following his arrest.
According to the audio obtained by 4WWL, the suspect was reportedly held in the rear section of the plane while passengers deplaned. One voice on the dispatch can be heard stating, "We have him at the back door. The back door has been breached by him." This comment suggests that the suspect had forced entry into the aircraft through the rear exit, prompting a rapid security response to contain the situation.
Emergency responders coordinated their approach carefully to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers. Personnel on the radio indicated they would enter the aircraft through the rear. They also inquired about the availability of a cage unit on scene, likely to secure the suspect safely. Descriptive details were shared among the team, noting the presence of a Hispanic male wearing a hat and estimated to be around 5 foot 7 inches tall.
Instructions were given to maintain communication with the suspect to prevent him from moving toward the front of the airplane. One officer directed, "Stay on the line with him and tell him to notify you immediately if he starts trying to move toward the front of the airplane." Meanwhile, ground teams focused on managing the flow of passengers, noting, "My guys, we got the passengers coming toward the cars. Let's keep them corralled right by our cars."
A point of confusion arose regarding the suspect's attire. One responder noted that the individual was wearing all black. Another officer clarified the situation, stating, "Be advised, one passenger had not told me he changed into all black before he started trying to reach the cockpit." This detail was critical for identification during the high stress environment of the incident.
The cockpit crew remained inside the aircraft with the door locked to ensure their safety. Flight attendants were escorted off the plane and moved to a designated area. It was noted that the suspect did not speak English, which likely added a layer of complexity to the communication during the standoff. The audio concludes with the announcement, "Aircom 400 subject in custody," signaling that the immediate threat had been neutralized.
It remains unclear which specific agencies were communicating over the dispatch channel. However, the Department of Homeland Security previously confirmed to Fox News that the suspect had a history of prior interactions with U.S. immigration authorities. Gomez Alberto had been deported from the United States twice before illegally re-entering the country through California. He was subsequently released by a judge in 2020.
No individuals were reported injured in the incident that occurred on Monday. The suspect was arrested by deputies from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. He is currently being held in jail with no bond set.
The charges filed against Gomez Alberto include terrorizing, communicating false information of planned arson, and fugitive from justice. The case has drawn attention to security protocols for international flights, particularly when passengers with prior deportation histories are involved in in-flight disturbances.
The release of the audio offers a rare glimpse into the coordination efforts required during such aviation security events. It highlights the careful balance between securing a potentially volatile suspect and ensuring the orderly evacuation of passengers from the aircraft.
