U.S. Veteran Fatally Shot After Hijacking Plane in Belize

A U.S. veteran, identified as Akinyela Taylor, was involved in a deadly hijacking incident on a Tropic Air flight in Belize, which resulted in him being shot after attacking several passengers with a knife. On Thursday, the plane, which was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, managed to land safely, despite the chaos that ensued during the hijacking.

According to Chester Williams, the police commissioner of Belize, Taylor stabbed three individuals onboard, all of whom required hospital treatment for their injuries. In a moment of heroism, one of the passengers, who had a valid firearm license, shot Taylor after being attacked himself and remains critically injured due to stab wounds.

The U.S. Embassy confirmed that Taylor was a citizen of the United States, although the motive behind his actions remains unclear. U.S. officials are collaborating with authorities in Belize to ascertain the details surrounding the incident. The CEO of Tropic Air, Maximillian Greif, praised the pilot for displaying remarkable bravery and ensuring a safe landing despite the tense situation.

The aircraft was en route from Corozal to San Pedro when the hijacking occurred early in the morning. The plane was kept in the air for an extended period as it circled randomly before landing at the airport in Ladyville, where all passengers were accounted for and those who had been injured were quickly brought to a hospital for further care.