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| Man Charged With Disrupting Atlanta Flight |
| 2010-01-14 |
| DENVER -- A passenger on a diverted AirTran Airways flight accused of becoming unruly after he was refused more alcohol was charged Wednesday with interfering with a flight crew. Muhammad Abu Tahir, 47, appeared in federal court with an interpreter. Ah, so he's not named 'John Smith', is he ... Tahir did not officially enter a plea but said "no" after the interpreter repeated the allegations read by the judge. "No, sir, you don't need to say anything now," U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tafoya replied, explaining the hearing was only intended to advise him of the charge. He then answered "yes" when asked if he understood the charge. Authorities said Tahir, who lives in Glen Allen, Va., became disruptive on a flight Jan. 8 from Atlanta to San Francisco. Two military jets were sent to tail the plane that was diverted to Colorado Springs by its captain. The plane was one of two commercial flights diverted that day amid heightened concern over airline security after a Nigerian man allegedly tried to blow up a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines plane on Christmas Day. The incident began when Tahir asked for more wine after downing three mini-bottles on the flight, according to an affidavit by an FBI agent. Initially refused more alcohol, he was later given another bottle of wine, which he drank while standing in the galley, authorities said. Working up the nerve to dash into the bathroom -- After drinking a fifth bottle in his seat, Tahir went to the bathroom. Authorities said he opened the bathroom door to place his shoes and socks outside and again to reveal he was shaving with no shirt on. No mention of any explosives but that would be the next step, wouldn't it. The affidavit said he refused requests by flight attendants to leave the lavatory and started yelling that he was being disrespected. Tahir also grabbed the arms and hands of a senior flight attendant who at one point was trying to calm him, authorities said. Authorities said Tahir stayed in the bathroom when the plane landed. Originally from Pakistan, Tahir is a permanent U.S. resident. Nice going ICE. Now perhaps we can revoke his permanent status and send him to Wazoo? Maybe the Pak army would be interested in 'finding' him. He could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. There is no mandatory minimum sentence. A federal public defender was appointed to represent Tahir. Preliminary and bond hearings were scheduled for Friday. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #7 well, who hasn't had the desire to shave your pubes in the airplane restroom after a few cocktails? Or is that just me... and Muhammad? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-01-14 22:08 |
| #6 Shaving his pubic hair, you say? |
| Posted by: KBK 2010-01-14 21:41 |
| #5 Glaser Safety Slugs; when you care enough to send the very best. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2010-01-14 20:43 |
| #4 If instead, the person was immediately taken to the front of the plane, knelt and a bullet put in the back of their head, it would stop almost immediately. I like the way you think. However I would suggest bludgeoning the individual, not as fast as a bullet, but less danger to the aircraft and aircrew. |
| Posted by: Solomon Spogum5839 2010-01-14 20:01 |
| #3 The amount and frequency of these is really starting to look like dummy runs and testing, as well as conditioning the passengers not to do anything again. If instead, the person was immediately taken to the front of the plane, knelt and a bullet put in the back of their head, it would stop almost immediately. |
| Posted by: Silentbrick 2010-01-14 17:28 |
| #2 I understand their concern, shaving is a part of the suicide bomber's ritual. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2010-01-14 15:55 |
| #1 Yet another reason to keep them out...they can't hold their likker....! |
| Posted by: Uncle Phester 2010-01-14 15:46 |