(Image source from: News18.com)

On Thursday, a US citizen armed with a knife tried to seize control of a small Tropic Air aircraft in Belize, injuring three individuals before another passenger shot him dead, according to a report by the New York Post that referenced official sources. The attack occurred mid-flight on a route to San Pedro when the 49-year-old assailant began his knife assault on fellow travelers. The individual was identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a citizen of the United States, as confirmed by Chester Williams, the Commissioner of Police in Belize.

Commissioner Williams commended the passenger who took action and fatally shot Taylor, labeling them a hero, as noted by the New York Post. Officials are still investigating how Taylor was able to bring a knife onto the aircraft. Belizean authorities have reached out to the US Embassy for support in the ongoing inquiry into the situation.