U.S. Embassy Responds to Domestic Plane Hijacking by American Man

The U.S. Embassy has issued a preliminary response to the hijacking of a domestic plane by an American man.

Speaking at the Philip Goldson International Airport, Public Affairs Officer Luke Martin expressed sadness at the day’s events, especially on the eve of the long Easter weekend. “It really highlights the importance of safety and security,” he said. “We want Belize and the region to remain safe—not just for Belizeans, but for the many Americans who travel or reside here.”

The suspect Akinyela Sawa Taylor, who was shot and killed, was a U.S. citizen who may have been attempting to return to the United States. However, Martin clarified that the Embassy has no official confirmation of the individual’s background, including whether he was a U.S. military veteran. “We don’t have any details on his motivations or prior contact with the Embassy,” he stated.

Martin noted that the Embassy had not been contacted by the suspect during the hijacking and had no prior knowledge of his presence in the country.

“We have a strong relationship with Belizean law enforcement, and in times like this, that partnership proves crucial,” Martin said, adding that both sides were able to quickly exchange information following the incident.

While the Embassy is not leading the investigation, it stands ready to support Belizean authorities as they look into the hijacker’s identity, background, and possible entry through illegal means after reportedly being denied entry at the northern border.

“Belize is an important partner in the region, and we want to maintain those strong ties, especially with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that events like this are handled swiftly and professionally,” he said.

Flights at the Philip Goldson International Airport resumed shortly after the incident, and air traffic has returned to normal.