US Man Hijacks Plane in Belize, Stabs Three, Is Shot Dead by Passenger

Authorities at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize were alerted Thursday to a harrowing incident involving a U.S. man hijacking a small plane. The man violently stabbed two passengers and the pilot during the event.

One of the stabbed passengers, who fortunately was licensed to carry a firearm, shot and fatally wounded the hijacker. The passenger later handed over his weapon to local police. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams expressed gratitude, calling the passenger a hero.

The hijacker has been identified as Akinyela Taylor, said to be a U.S. military veteran according to Belize police, though this has not been independently confirmed by U.S. officials.

The flight, operating a Cessna Caravan from Corozal to San Pedro, had 14 passengers and two crew members aboard. Following the start of the violent incident, the plane circled unpredictably for roughly two hours before safely landing back at the airport.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the attack as "horrifying," emphasizing relief that the situation did not escalate into a mass casualty event, especially given the number of people on board. Officials are currently collaborating with Belize authorities to determine motive and the full circumstances behind the hijacking.