A harrowing plane hijacking in Belize erupted this morning when Akinyela Taylor, a U.S. veteran, stabbed two passengers before being fatally shot by one of them, leading to a full emergency response.

The violent incident on a Tropic Air flight carrying 14 passengers unfolded around 8:30 a.m. local time, raising concerns about aviation security and the motives behind Taylor's actions, which included demanding to be flown out of the country. As U.S. officials begin their investigation, the heroic actions of the pilot during the crisis have come to light, with one stabbed passenger managing to neutralize the threat, though both injured individuals remain in critical condition.

According to reports, the Tropic Air plane was making a scheduled flight from Corozal to San Pedro when the hijacking occurred. The aircraft was carrying 14 passengers along with two crew members at the time. The hijacker, identified as Akinyela Taylor, stabbed two passengers and the pilot during the incident. One of the stabbed passengers shot and killed Taylor, who was also wounded.

The hijacker, identified as Akinyela Taylor, allegedly aimed to escape Belize and expressed a desire to continue the flight, possibly to Mexico. He also demanded that the plane land to refuel, indicating a potential plan to make a significant getaway. However, the exact motive behind the hijacking remains unclear, and U.S. officials, alongside local authorities, are working to piece together the circumstances that led to this violent act.

In a critical moment during the hijacking, one of the passengers, Fitzgerald Brown, was stabbed by the hijacker, Akinyela Taylor, and is currently in critical condition, receiving medical attention. Another injured passenger, Jair Castañeda, was also stabbed. The incident resulted in one of the injured passengers shooting and killing the hijacker, Akinyela Taylor.

Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air, praised the pilot for his response during the crisis, calling his actions heroic. The pilot was able to maintain control of the cockpit despite the chaos unfolding behind him. This situation, which began as a routine flight, turned into a life-threatening ordeal that tested the courage and resilience of everyone onboard.

The Belize authorities declared a full emergency immediately after the event began, mobilizing law enforcement and medical teams to respond to the scene swiftly. The quick response was crucial in addressing the situation, and local police have since begun an investigation into the incident, working to understand more about Taylor's background and motives.

Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, condemned the incident, describing it as horrifying. While the investigation continues, there is a sense of relief that the situation did not result in more casualties, given the violent nature of the attack. Responses from officials indicate a need for heightened security measures in the region's aviation sector.

As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. U.S. officials are actively coordinating with Belize authorities to gather more information and provide necessary support. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities present in air travel, even on domestic flights, and may lead to changes in security protocols within the country and beyond.