Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Investigations

Date

Airline Passenger Charged and Arrested for Interfering With a Flight Crew

On November 13, 2022, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia filed a criminal complaint charging William Allen Liebisch with interfering with a flight crew.
 
The complaint alleges that on November 11, 2022, while traveling from Cincinnati International Airport to Tampa International Airport, Liebisch announced plans to stab someone on the plane and stood in the rear galley of the aircraft while brandishing a large box cutter. The pilots requested an emergency diversion to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where law enforcement attempted to remove Liebisch, who ran toward the flight deck. Liebisch was then tackled from behind by a passenger and swiftly taken into custody.
 
DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the FBI.
 
Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.