Teen with Shotgun Overpowered by Passengers on Australian Plane
17-Year-Old Charged After Breaching Airport Security and Boarding Aircraft with a Firearm
A 17-year-old has been charged in Australia after managing to board a plane with a shotgun and ammunition before being overpowered by passengers and crew.
The dramatic incident unfolded at Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, on Thursday afternoon as a Jetstar flight with 160 passengers prepared for takeoff to Sydney.
Authorities believe the teenager breached a security fence to access the tarmac before climbing the front steps of the aircraft. However, as he reached the doorway, quick-thinking passengers tackled him to the ground, preventing any further escalation.
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was taken into custody and now faces eight charges, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering flight safety, and making a bomb hoax.
A bomb disposal specialist was deployed to inspect a nearby car and two bags linked to the teenager.
Footage Captures Dramatic Struggle
Video footage published by Australian outlet 7News shows passengers restraining the suspect while a member of the ground crew and a pilot removed a utility belt he was wearing. The pilot can also be seen kicking the shotgun away from the teen, who was dressed in a fluorescent jacket resembling an airport worker’s uniform.
A voice in the background of the footage can be heard asking, "How is this possible?"
Passengers Praised for Bravery
Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid praised the courage of those onboard, confirming that at least three passengers had stepped in to subdue the suspect.
“This would have been a terrifying experience for everyone onboard,” Supt Reid said, adding that local police were coordinating with counterterrorism authorities, though the suspect’s motive remains unclear.
Passenger Barry Clark told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the teenager appeared “agitated” and had been disguised as an airport worker.
“All I could do was get the gun out of the way, put him in a hold, and throw him to the ground until police arrived,” he recalled.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.
Airport Operations Resume
Avalon Airport, which is served exclusively by budget airline Jetstar, has since resumed normal operations.
In a statement to CBS News, Jetstar acknowledged the distressing nature of the event and expressed gratitude to the passengers who assisted in safely resolving the situation.
“We are sincerely grateful to the customers who helped our crew manage the incident,” the airline stated.
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss confirmed that security protocols were being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
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