A passenger’s claim of a laptop bomb threat forced an Allegiant Air flight to make an emergency landing. The incident happened on Flight 1023, traveling from Florida to Roanoke, Virginia. The situation escalated when passenger Taj Taylor allegedly told another passenger his laptop was a bomb.
Several passengers overheard Taylor say he had a bomb. Consequently, the flight crew was alerted immediately. They decided to divert the plane to St. Pete-Clearwater Airport in Florida. The plane landed safely, where law enforcement officers were waiting.
After the plane touched down, deputies searched Taylor’s belongings but found no explosives. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) then began an investigation into the laptop bomb threat. Authorities arrested Taylor late that night but released him the next day.
According to the FBI affidavit, Taylor told investigators he recently left a mental health facility. He explained that he took medication the night before but felt unclear mentally. Despite the allegations, Taylor denied making bomb threats. Instead, he said the woman sitting next to him was rude.
Taylor’s background includes being a seminary student at Liberty University in Virginia. He is also an Air Force veteran and former high school football player. Notably, he suffered a serious concussion while playing football. Authorities charged him with making a false bomb threat, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Following the investigation, Allegiant Air replaced the flight crew, and the plane continued its journey to Roanoke. The airline issued $100 travel vouchers to passengers affected by the delay. An Allegiant spokesperson emphasized the airline’s zero tolerance for disruptive behavior, explaining the decision to return to the airport.
Overall, the laptop bomb threat caused significant disruption but ended without injury. Authorities continue to monitor the case closely.
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