Flight Diverted to Portland Due to 'Credible Security Threat'; Off-Duty Pilot Faces 83 Attempted Murder Charges

A flight from Washington state to San Francisco was diverted to Portland, Oregon, due to a credible security threat. An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot was arrested and charged with over 80 counts of attempted murder. Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by Horizon Air, encountered the threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat. The crew safely secured the aircraft, following FAA procedures and air traffic control guidance. All passengers later traveled on a different flight. Joseph David Emerson, 44, was arrested and faces numerous counts, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment.

The arrested individual had occupied the jump seat, a customary practice for airline employees hitching a free ride. Portland air traffic controllers were informed that the person attempted to shut down the engines but seemed subdued. The case has been assigned to the FBI, and the FAA sent a security notice to U.S. carriers regarding the incident.

This is an ongoing story; further updates will follow. (Source: Fox News)