Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Midair Attack after Attempting to Open Emergency Exit Door

Torres pleaded guilty to attempted interference with flight crew members using a dangerous weapon

A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to a violent and terrifying midair attack in which he attempted to open an emergency exit door and tried to stab a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon, threatening to kill everyone onboard.

Francisco Severo Torres, 34, admitted to one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon. The plea was announced by the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's Office. Torres now faces up to life in prison at his sentencing scheduled for July 17.

The incident occurred in March 2023 aboard United Airlines Flight 2609 traveling from Los Angeles to Boston. About 45 minutes into the flight, a cockpit alarm was triggered after a flight attendant discovered tampering with the emergency door between first class and coach. When Torres was confronted, he reportedly asked if the crew had video evidence of him at the door.

Torres allegedly used a broken spoon to threaten passengers and attempt to stab a flight attendant on the plane

Flight crew quickly assessed Torres as a threat and alerted the captain to prepare for an emergency landing. Moments later, Torres left his seat and approached the same emergency door while shouting incoherently. In a disturbing scene captured on video, Torres was seen shouting, “I’m taking over this plane” and vowing to “kill every man on this plane.”

Torres then lunged at a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon, stabbing toward the crew member’s neck area three times. The flight attendant was struck, but the extent of the injuries was not detailed. Passengers immediately intervened, tackled Torres to the floor, and helped restrain him until the plane landed safely at Logan International Airport in Boston. He was taken into custody upon landing.

Francisco Severo Torres allegedly threatened to “kill every man on this plane” during the 2023 rampage

Following the attack, Torres told investigators he tried to open the door so he could jump out of the plane and admitted he was aware that many people would die if he succeeded. According to charging documents, Torres made bizarre statements during his arrest and initial court appearances. In July 2023, a judge determined Torres was mentally unfit to stand trial and ordered further psychiatric treatment.

Witnesses also told investigators that just days before the flight, Torres had claimed at a local barbershop that he was “half angel and half devil.” He was later indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023.

Torres remains in custody awaiting his sentencing.