President Trump called the co-pilot who stabbed the pilot on Flydubai Flight FZ1073 "perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack-job" after discussing the incident with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The injured pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. The aircraft transmitted emergency transponder codes while descending over Saudi Arabia and later landed safely at Tabuk Airport after reserve pilots regained control. U.S. officials said they are coordinating with Israeli authorities and reported no credible threats to U.S. aviation linked to the incident.
Trump Calls Co-Pilot Who Stabbed Pilot On Flydubai Flight ‘A Terrorist Or A Whack‑Job’ — Pilot Hailed As Hero
Trump calls co-pilot who tried to hijack Israel flight ‘a terrorist or a whack job’
President Donald Trump described the co-pilot who stabbed a colleague aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv as "perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack-job," remarks he made in the Oval Office after the attempted hijacking.
What Happened
The incident took place on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which departed Dubai International Airport at about 7 a.m. local time. While flying over Saudi Arabia, the jet began a rapid descent and initially transmitted a Squawk 7700 emergency code; the transponder later showed Squawk 7500, a code that indicates unlawful interference or hijacking.
President Trump says that the co-pilot who hijacked an Flydubai flight bound for Israel was 'perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack-job' (AP)
According to officials and video verified by CNN, the co-pilot stabbed the pilot, identified as Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and subdue the attacker. Reserve pilots regained control and the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was arrested.
Reactions And Official Response
Mr. Trump said he had spoken "at length" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and offered his assessment of the co-pilot. When pressed about whether the attacker intended to crash the plane, the president noted investigators had not confirmed a motive.
Trump praised the pilot Smit Machchhar, who helped prevent disaster when his co-pilot attacked (Israel Foreign Ministry)
"The pilot was in very bad shape — I guess he still is in very bad shape — but he had the sense to, amazing, in a way he was a hero, to open the door," Mr. Trump said, praising Captain Machchhar.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said an Israeli passenger helped break into the cockpit and, together with crew members, overpowered the attacker as he attempted to sabotage aircraft systems. Video from the cockpit shows Machchhar on the floor clutching his torso while others surround the co-pilot, who was also bleeding.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Washington is coordinating closely with Israeli authorities investigating the event. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sought to reassure the public about domestic aviation safety, saying the TSA remains on high alert and that there are currently no credible threats linking the U.S. to this incident.
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin (right) said that there is no 'credible threat' to the US. Attorney General Todd Blanche (center) says that the US is coordinating with Israel (Getty)
Aftermath
Passengers and crew are credited with preventing a potential catastrophe by restraining the co-pilot after Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door despite his wounds. The plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport, and authorities detained the attacker for further investigation.
Key facts: Flight FZ1073; departed Dubai ~7 a.m.; squawk codes 7700 then 7500; Captain Smit Machchhar injured but instrumental in stopping the attack; passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot; plane landed at Tabuk; international authorities coordinating the investigation.
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