Would-be Mexican plane hijacker subdued by passengers, crew as tried to force plane to fly to US

 Passengers and crew members were able to quickly subdue the man who attempted to hijack a Tijuana-bound flight and divert it to the US by holding a flight attendant hostage, harrowing new video shows.

Footage on social media and local outlets show the 31-year-old hijacker, identified only as Mario, surrounded by passengers and crew members near the cockpit of the grounded Volaris airlines flight on Sunday morning.

The man, reported to be a father-of-two, could be seen with his arms around a female flight attendant before making a dash for the door and appearing to attempt to jump out of it. However, a passenger quickly grabbed him while children and others on the flight could be heard screaming and crying.

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Passengers and flight crew helped detain a man who attempted to hijack a Mexican flight and tried to divert it to the US.Jam Press

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The passenger attempted to jump out the grounded plane, but a Good Samaritan quickly grabbed him.Jam Press

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The mustachioed older man who helped lead the charge against the hijacker told local reporters at the El Bajio airport — in Leon in central Mexico — that he and others on the plane tried to keep the situation from escalating.

“I was able to convince him to turn himself in peacefully, asking him to let go of the flight attendant and give it up for the sake of his wife and kids,” the Good Samaritan, who was not named, said in Spanish.

“Everyone was scared and panicking,” he added. “He was scared. He was demanding they take us to San Diego so he could feel safe.”

The tense situation appeared to end when the hijacker let go of the flight attended and surrendered himself, but desperation appeared to kick in as he made a final dash for the open door.

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The man who helped subdue and talk down the hijacker said everyone was panicked aboard the plane.@JoseibarraBC/X

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Police arrested the suspect, who was only identified as Mario.National Secretary of Defense

“Papa, no!,” a woman could be heard screaming as she and the Good Samaritan desperately held him back and kept him from going out the door.

The Mexican Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) said the suspect remained restrained until police arrived to arrest him.

The suspect had claimed that one of his family members had been kidnapped and that he received death threats telling him not to travel to Tijuana once the flight took off, according to the SSPC.

Volaris confirmed that all the passengers and crew members were safe and continued their flight after the suspect was removed.

The airline has become a plaintiff to ensure that the passenger faces the full weight of the law, according to its statement.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/09/world-news/would-be-hijacker-subdued-on-volaris-flight-video/

Adams admin hires foreign firms to run NYC’s Downtown Heliport, raising security concerns

 Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has chosen two foreign firms to run the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, raising concerns in some national-security circles because the president’s Marine One chopper uses it.

The city Economic Development Corporation selected Downtown Skyport LLC — a partnership between Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based firm and the operator of the London Heliport, and France’s Groupe ADP, which operates Paris’ three airports, to run the city-owned downtown heliport.

The Downtown Manhattan Heliport is used by Marine One and by US military and federal law-enforcement officials.

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Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has chosen two foreign firms to run the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

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The city Economic Development Corporation selected Downtown Skyport LLC to run the cityk-owned downtown heliport.Angel Chevrest

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“I don’t think it’s a wise choice, given the sensitive activity that happens there. I’m surprised,” said Jonathan Wackrow, who served for 14 years as a special agent in the US Secret Service, to The Post.

“It raises a red flag. It’s odd and should certainly be questioned. Any critical infrastructure should not be operated by a foreign entity.”  

He claimed foreigners will have access to national security information and asked, “Where will this information go?”

There were at least two attempts to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump during the election campaign.

The city Franchise and Review Committee is expected to approve the contract after a public hearing Monday.

Wackrow, who served in the security detail for former President Barack Obama, said the Downtown Heliport was an important post after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, providing access from Pier 6 in the Battery near Ground Zero.

The new European operators will replace Manhattan-based Saker Aviation Services.

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The Downtown Manhattan Heliport is used by Marine One and by US military and federal law-enforcement officials.Paul Martinka

The current operator faced controversy last year after it was revealed that William Wachtel, chairman of the board of Saker Aviation, is law partners with Morris Missry, a board member at the EDC.

Downtown Skyport won the subsequent contract in a competitive bidding process.

Both of its companies have developed the use of quieter electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a top priority of Mayor Adams.

Helicopter noise has long been a major bane of New York City residents, with 59,000 complaints recorded last year.

EDC officials defended the selection of European-based Downtown Skyport.

“NYCEDC is proud to welcome Downtown Skyport as the new operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball in a statement.

“With their expertise in global transportation, Downtown Skyport is perfectly positioned to advance the Adams Administration’s vision of transforming DMH into a hub for cutting-edge mobility. By integrating eVTOL technology — a quieter, greener alternative to traditional helicopters — and facilitating maritime freight and last-mile deliveries, this initiative will not only reduce truck traffic but bring huge quality of life improvements for all New Yorkers,” he said.

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The city Franchise and Review Committee is expected to approve the contract after a public hearing Monday.David McGlynn

As part of the bidding process, EDC officials said it checked with appropriate federal agencies on the possibility of hiring an operator with a parent entity based in foreign countries.

These reviews found that there would be no security risks posed to Marine One — or any other official US government helicopter — landing at the heliport, the EDC said.

The agreement will provide for a five-year $14.7 million contract from February 2025 to January 2030, with three five-year options for renewal through 2045.

Downtown Skyport would initially pay the city a minimum of $2.75 million to operate the airport, increasing to 4% annually or 42.5% of  gross, whichever is greater, according to the terms of the contract reviewed by Crain’s New York Business.

New York City remains the owner of the heliport. Operations are managed through a concession agreement, which EDC can terminate at its discretion.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/08/us-news/adams-admin-hires-foreign-firms-to-run-nycs-downtown-heliport-raising-security-concerns-not-a-wise-choice/