EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A “threatening handwritten note” was what caused a Sun Country Airlines flight leaving Minneapolis and heading to Mazatlán, Mexico, to divert to the El Paso International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, March 5, FBI El Paso said.
FBI El Paso said the note was found on the airplane alleging, “You Are All Going to Die, Help Me,” which the flight crew immediately reported to law enforcement and diverted the flight for their and passengers’ safety.
During interviews, it was found that the threat was “a hoax initiated by two young children on the flight.” The United States Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Texas declined federal criminal prosecution, FBI El Paso said.
As we previously reported, the airline said on Wednesday that Flight 593 was diverted to El Paso “out of an abundance of caution in response to a security concern.”
The airline said the aircraft landed without incident. Passengers were deplaned safely and were provided overnight accommodations.
The FBI added that the investigation determined there was no threat to the safety of the passengers, flight crew, or the airplane.
“FBI El Paso would again like to thank our law enforcement partners, Sun Country Airline, and especially all 156 passengers for your patience during the investigation. Each threat of violence is taken seriously as your safety is paramount,” said John Morales, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge.”
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