Video: Southwest Airlines flight diverted to Atlanta after possible security threat; FBI says no credible danger

A Southwest Airlines flight diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a reported security threat onboard a flight traveling from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale. Authorities later said there was no credible threat.

The incident occurred Friday evening, March 6, when the aircraft was rerouted to Atlanta after a ‘passenger disturbance.’ The passenger who was removed from the plane had been speaking in his native language and did not issue threats, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said, as reported by the Washington Times.

Passenger removed after plane lands

A video reportedly recorded inside the plane after it landed at around 9 p.m. local time circulated online. The footage shows passengers chanting “heads down, hands up,” while others complied with instructions as armed officers from the Atlanta Police Department boarded the aircraft.

The video also shows a man being taken into custody by officers following the aircraft’s arrival.


Another video reportedly from the incident,

FBI Says no credible threat

In an update on Saturday, March 7, the FBI’s Atlanta field office clarified that the situation did not involve a genuine security risk.

“The FBI and APD have investigated and interviewed the person. There was no credible threat and no charges will be filed,” the agency said, as quoted by FOX 17 Nashville.

Southwest Airlines statement

Southwest Airlines also issued a statement to the outlet addressing the Southwest Airlines flight diverted incident. “Southwest Airlines Flight 2094 landed safely at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Friday evening after diverting to respond to a possible security matter. We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and sincerely apologize to our Customers for the significant delay. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees.”

Investigation on the diverted southwest airlines flight handed to federal authorities

While officials have not released detailed information about the nature of the disturbance, police confirmed that the investigation was handed over to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, according to komonews.

Political Claims regarding TSA workers

The incident also drew political commentary online. Mike Collins raised the issue of TSA workers gone unpaid during the DHS shutdown, linking it with the issue on X.

“Democrats still refuse to fund TSA. This flight from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale had an emergency stop in Atlanta due to a man yelling “Death to America! Death to Trump! I’m going to bomb the plane!” Fund TSA now. Get these terrorists out of our country.”


However, authorities have not confirmed that anyone made those statements.