Bronx man arrested after allegedly claiming he had bomb on United flight to New Orleans

Bronx man arrested after allegedly claiming he had bomb on United flight to New Orleans Stream New York's #1 news - AccuWeather - original content 24/7 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 10:36AM Share Follow ABC7 on Google NEW YORK -- A Bronx man was arrested after allegedly claiming he had a bomb aboard a United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans, prompting a law enforcement response when the plane landed. Authorities identified the suspect as Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, 34. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said he began acting irrationally late Monday during the flight and allegedly told crew members he had a bomb on board. The United Airlines flight landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where Gomez-Alberto was taken into custody without incident. Authorities said the Boeing 737 Max 9 was carrying 46 passengers and six crew members. Gomez-Alberto was transported to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and booked on charges of communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing, according to the sheriff's office. The Federal Aviation Administration said it plans to investigate the incident. United Airlines said the aircraft landed safely "following a disruptive incident involving a passenger onboard" and that law enforcement officers met the plane upon arrival. The Department of Homeland Security said Gomez-Alberto, a Honduran immigrant, had previously been removed from the United States twice and reentered the country illegally on multiple occasions. According to DHS, he was deported after crossing the border illegally near El Indio, Texas, in 2011 and again after entering near Columbus, New Mexico, in 2014. 3 dead after car crashes into street vendors, pedestrians near Metro station in North Hollywood 3 hours ago Pasadena woman fights to bring home mother she says was taken by caregiver Mayor-elect Nithya Raman receives warm welcome from Los Angeles City Council at 1st meeting after election win DHS said Gomez-Alberto illegally reentered the country a third time in 2019 near San Ysidro, California. After being arrested by U.S. Border Patrol, he was released from custody in January 2020 pending removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Officials said Gomez-Alberto's most recent residence was in the Bronx. He remains in custody in Louisiana without bond, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against him. (The Associated Press contributed to this report. Kelety reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writer Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed.) Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics NEWARK BRONX NEW YORK CITY BOMB THREAT UNITED AIRLINES IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TERROR THREAT Watch Live ON NOW 3 dead after car plows into pedestrians near Metro station in NoHo 3 hours ago SoCal woman fights to bring home mom she says was taken by caregiver Raman receives warm welcome from City Council at 1st meeting after win Dua Lipa, Tame Impala and SZA to headline Coachella 2027 2 hours ago Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, cut off his ankle monitor, DOJ says Valley Glen residents clash with LA City over Flock camera security signs Stacy Keach, star of stage and 'Mike Hammer' series, dies at 85 Newport Beach rushes seawall projects ahead of forecast higher tides