Passenger Making Terrorist Comments Removed From SoCal Flight

SAN DIEGO, CA- Airline personnel ejected a traveler from a jet preparing for takeoff at Lindbergh Field today for making repeated terrorism- related comments amid heightened security concerns in the aftermath of the mass- casualty bombing attacks in Belgium.

Crew members escorted the passenger, a man in his late 50s whose name was withheld, from the United Airlines flight to San Francisco about 7 a.m. and turned him over to San Diego Harbor Police officers, SDHP Lt. John Forsythe said.

Investigators determined that the man had made no threats, committed no crime and apparently was in need of some mental health assistance. He was taken to a psychiatric hospital for an evaluation, Forsythe said.

The exact nature of the man's statements was unclear. Forsythe said they likely involved the hours-old airport and subway-station attacks in Brussels, which left at least 30 people dead and many more injured.

The San Diego resident's comments simply "made (fellow passengers) nervous, especially since he kept repeating himself,'' the lieutenant said.

The flight departed slightly behind schedule and arrived on time in the Bay Area, according to the airline.

By City News Service