An American military veteran was fatally shot after he hijacked a small passenger plane in Belize on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The incident, which unfolded on a Tropic Air flight, left several passengers injured and ended with the hijacker's death. The plane was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members when Akinyela Taylor, the hijacker, brandished a knife and stabbed two passengers and a pilot during the ordeal.
According to Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams, Taylor demanded to be flown out of the country and insisted that the plane land to refuel. The hijacking began around 8:30 a.m. local time as the aircraft was traveling from Corozal to San Pedro. It circled the airspace for nearly two hours, during which time it began to run dangerously low on fuel. A police helicopter monitored the situation as the plane flew erratically before landing safely at an airport in the coastal town of Ladyville.
During the hijacking, one of the passengers, who had been stabbed multiple times, managed to shoot Taylor with a licensed firearm. This passenger, who remains in critical condition, was praised by Police Commissioner Williams, who referred to him as a hero. "We are praying for him," Williams stated, highlighting the bravery shown in the face of danger. The passenger was stabbed in the back and lungs, and while he fought back, he was also rushed to the hospital for treatment.
After Taylor was shot, he was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The three injured individuals were also taken to the hospital for medical attention. The motive behind Taylor's actions remains unclear, and U.S. officials are working with Belizean authorities to investigate the incident.
U.S. Embassy spokesperson Luke Martin confirmed that Taylor had insisted on being taken to the United States, but the reasons behind his demands are still under investigation. Williams revealed that Taylor had previously attempted to enter Belize through its northern border with Mexico but was denied entry. It remains a mystery how he managed to board the plane with a knife.
Tropic Air, the airline involved, commended the pilot for his calm and courageous response during the hijacking. In a statement, they said, "Earlier today, a Tropic Air flight faced a serious and unprecedented in-flight emergency. In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing." The airline has stated that all passengers were accounted for after the incident.
The hijacking has raised questions about security at smaller airstrips in Belize, where thorough searches of passengers are not always possible. Williams acknowledged that this incident would lead to discussions about improving safety protocols in air travel.
As the investigation continues, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the situation as "horrifying" and expressed gratitude that the incident did not result in a mass casualty event. "Clearly we know a few details. We don't know much more," she said during a briefing in Washington.
In the aftermath of the hijacking, all flights in the area were grounded, and airport staff expressed their shock and concern over the violent incident. Witnesses reported seeing individuals with visible injuries, and the scene at the airport was described as chaotic.
The plane's flight path, which included erratic circling before landing, has raised concerns about how the situation escalated to such a dangerous level. With the plane running low on fuel, the urgency of the situation was palpable, and the quick actions of the passenger who shot Taylor ultimately allowed for a safe landing.
As more details emerge, both Belizean and U.S. authorities are committed to uncovering the full story behind Taylor's actions. The incident marks a rare occurrence in aviation safety, with hijackings being increasingly uncommon in recent years.
Belizean officials have reached out to the U.S. embassy for assistance in the ongoing investigation, and they are working to gather more information about Taylor's background and motivations. Reports indicate that Taylor was a teacher in the United States, previously serving as a football coach at McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri. However, it has been confirmed that he no longer worked at the school.
This shocking event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with air travel, even on domestic flights. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review security measures and protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In summary, the hijacking of the Tropic Air flight in Belize has left the community in shock and raised serious questions about aviation security. The bravery of the passenger who intervened has been widely recognized, and as the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of all air travel.
