U.S. Department of State on Plane Hijacking

During a State Department press briefing this afternoon, spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the Tropic Air hijacking by a U.S. national in Belize. Bruce confirmed that the Department of State is aware of the situation. We also spoke with Public Relations Officer Luke Martin of the U.S. Embassy in Belize about the report the embassy will send to its U.S. counterparts.

 

Reporter

“An attempted hijacking of an airplane internally in Belize, Tropic Air. It involved an alleged hijacker who is a U.S. citizen, according to law enforcement report, he was fatally shot. He has been identified as a U.S. citizen and passport holder. Does the U.S. have any information on this?”

 

Tammy Bruce, Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State

“Not yet. We watched that unfold like everyone else. It is horrifying. We are grateful, like all of us are, that this did not turn into a mass casualty event with over a dozen people on the plane. We know a few details. We don’t know much more. As I was working on the briefing that came across my timeline. It came across yours.  It is terrifying. But thank God. We don’t know about injuries and any other details, so we cant comment. But we know there was effective law enforcement on the ground and that is all I have for you now. But obviously we are watching it now.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What do you have to send or say to your counterparts in the U.S. at this point? What is the next step?”

 

Luke Martin, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Belize

“I really think that highlighting the importance of Belize. Belize is a regional partner. It is important to Central America and the Caribbean. We want to keep ensuring that we have traction and connections without law enforcement colleagues here as well.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What do we know about his family members in the U.S., where he originated or what state.”

 

Luke Martin

“We don’t have that information. We don’t know his situation, other than the name.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Will the embassy be working with the local authority to do a thorough background check.”

 

Luke Martin

“Investigation will happen, but this is in Belize so the Belize authorities will handle that as well.”