Passengers and crew at Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia, are being praised for their bravery after they disarmed and restrained a 17-year-old attempting to board a Jetstar Airways plane with a loaded shotgun on Thursday.
According to Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid, the teenager breached airport security by entering through a hole in the perimeter fence before approaching the aircraft, which was preparing for takeoff to Sydney.
"This would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers of that plane, and Victoria Police really commend the bravery of those passengers who were able to overpower that male," Reid said to Euronews.
Among those who helped disarm the suspect was Barry Clark, a former professional boxer, who described how he noticed the teenager acting agitated near the plane’s entrance while being questioned by a flight attendant.
In an interview with Network 10, Clark said he spotted the gun, quickly moved behind the teenager, and took decisive action.
"I put him in a bit of a lock, threw him to the floor, and then held him in position by putting my knee on his back," Clark recalled.
Two other passengers and a pilot also helped restrain the suspect before police arrived.
The 17-year-old has been charged with multiple offences, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, and possessing a weapon.
Authorities have not disclosed how the teenager obtained the firearm or his motive for attempting to board the plane.
Authorities Respond, Flight Cancelled
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the incident, assuring the public that the country’s airports have robust security measures in place.
"This incident is concerning for members of the public. I commend the work of police and aviation officials in responding to it quickly," he said.
Ari Suss, Avalon Airport’s chief executive, confirmed that additional security measures had been implemented following the event. Meanwhile, Jetstar Airways, a budget airline under Qantas, stated that it was working with police and airport authorities to understand what went wrong.
The flight, which was supposed to carry about 150 passengers to Sydney, was cancelled following the security breach.
