Plane Passenger Sparks Panic After Claiming Laptop Is a Bomb

What began as a routine flight turned into a high-tension incident when a passenger on an Allegiant Air flight allegedly claimed his laptop was a bomb.

The flight, which had taken off from St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport in Florida en route to Roanoke, Virginia, was forced to turn around and make an emergency landing on July 6.

Mid-Flight Bomb Threat Causes Emergency Landing

According to the FBI, 27-year-old Taj Taylor reportedly turned to another passenger mid-air and said, “My laptop is a bomb.” The alarming statement caused panic among those on board and prompted the crew to notify the cockpit immediately.

Swift Crew Response and Safe Landing

The pilot made the decision to return to Florida as a precaution. Law enforcement and K-9 units were waiting when the plane landed safely back at the airport. Thankfully, no explosives were found in Taylor’s belongings, and no passengers or crew members were harmed.

Witnesses confirmed hearing Taylor make the comment and said he was holding the laptop while making the threat. One flight attendant reported seeing him acting erratically before the remark was made.

Mental Health and Legal Fallout

Following the incident, Taylor was taken into custody and questioned by authorities. In interviews with investigators, he stated that he had recently left a mental health facility and hadn’t taken all of his prescribed medication. He also claimed he was provoked by a rude passenger and did not intend to scare anyone.

Despite this, Taylor now faces federal charges for making a false bomb threat on an aircraft—an offense that carries serious consequences, including potential prison time and hefty fines. A federal judge deemed him a possible flight risk and ordered that he remain in custody pending further mental health evaluations.

Allegiant’s Response and Flight Delay Because of the Bomb

Allegiant Air responded promptly by issuing a statement, ensuring travelers that safety remains its top priority. Passengers on the affected flight were given travel vouchers and put on a later flight to Virginia with a new crew. While the airline did not name Taylor directly, it emphasized that any behavior that jeopardizes flight safety would be dealt with according to federal law.

Rising Concerns Over In-Flight Disruptions

This incident is the latest in a string of mid-air disturbances across the U.S., many of which involve mental health issues, substance use, or confrontations between passengers. Flight crews are trained to respond swiftly to any potential threat, no matter how small or improbable it may seem.

Authorities continue to remind the public that bomb threats—even if made as jokes or in a moment of distress—are treated with the utmost seriousness.

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