Man Found Guilty for Attempting to Open Plane Door, Stab Attendant Released

Massachusetts Man Released After Tampering with Emergency Door on Flight

A Massachusetts man who was convicted of tampering with an emergency door on a cross-country flight has been released from prison, according to U.S. Attorney Leah Foley. Francisco Severo Torres, 35, of Leominster, was sentenced to time served — approximately 26 months — followed by five years of supervised release.

Foley emphasized that Torres is prohibited from flying on a commercial aircraft until after he completes his sentence. He pleaded guilty in May to interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon.

Torres was taken into custody in March 2023 at Boston Logan International Airport shortly after disembarking from a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, approximately 45 minutes before landing, the cockpit received an alert indicating that one of the side doors had been disarmed.

Upon inspection, prosecutors stated that a flight attendant noticed the door’s locking handle had been moved out of the fully locked position, and the emergency slide arming level had been disabled. The flight attendant re-secured the door and informed the cockpit that it appeared to have been tampered with.

Another flight attendant reported seeing Torres near the door just before the alert was received. When confronted about the incident, Torres reportedly asked if there were cameras on the plane that could prove he had done so. The flight attendant then informed the cockpit that Torres posed a threat to the plane, and the captain needed to land as soon as possible.

Shortly after, prosecutors said Torres got out of his seat and walked toward the emergency door where two flight attendants were standing in the aisle. Torres then thrust toward one of the attendants with a broken metal spoon, according to Foley. Although he did not actually stab the attendant, he hit their neck three times with the makeshift weapon.

In a video taken by another passenger, Torres could be heard rambling incoherently and threatening to kill every man on the plane. Passengers aboard the flight later told detectives that Torres had asked where the door handle was on the safety card prior to takeoff and that he was seen pacing moments before attacking the attendant.

Torres was initially deemed unfit to stand trial and had been undergoing mental health treatment in prison. He will be required to continue receiving mental health treatment throughout his supervised release.

Key Details of the Incident

• Date of Arrest: March 2023
• Location: Boston Logan International Airport
• Flight Details: United Airlines flight from Los Angeles
• Charges: Interference and attempted interference with flight crew members using a dangerous weapon
• Sentence: 26 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release
• Restrictions: Prohibited from flying on commercial aircraft until after completing his sentence
• Mental Health Status: Initially deemed unfit to stand trial; ongoing mental health treatment required

Passenger Accounts and Actions Taken

Passengers on the flight described how Torres had been acting unusually. They noted that he had asked about the location of the door handle on the safety card before takeoff and was seen pacing around the cabin. When the incident occurred, passengers immediately tackled Torres and restrained him with the help of other flight attendants.

The flight attendants played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew. Their quick response prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating further.

Impact and Aftermath

The incident has raised concerns about the security measures in place on commercial flights and the need for better protocols to handle unruly passengers. It also highlights the importance of mental health support for individuals involved in such incidents.

As Torres begins his supervised release, he will need to comply with various conditions, including continuing his mental health treatment. This case serves as a reminder of the critical role that both passengers and crew play in maintaining safety during air travel.

Broader Implications

This event underscores the need for increased awareness and training for flight attendants and passengers on how to respond to potential threats. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues proactively to prevent similar incidents in the future.