Spirit Airlines Flight Diverted After Gunfire Reports

What Happened?

On Monday, January 9th, 2023, a Spirit Airlines flight traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Port-au-Prince, Haiti was diverted to Orlando International Airport after reports of gunfire on board.

According to passengers, a fight broke out between two passengers shortly after takeoff. During the altercation, one of the passengers allegedly brandished a firearm and fired a shot.

The flight crew immediately took action and diverted the plane to Orlando, where it landed safely. No injuries were reported.

What We Know So Far

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FBI are investigating the incident. The FBI has taken custody of the suspect, who has been identified as 34-year-old Jean Robert Sterlin.

Sterlin has been charged with interfering with a flight crew and carrying a weapon on an aircraft. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, January 10th.

What Spirit Airlines Is Saying

Spirit Airlines has released a statement saying that they are cooperating with the investigation and that the safety of their passengers and crew is their top priority.

The airline has also offered to provide support to the passengers who were on board the flight.

What's Next?

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The FAA and the FBI are working to determine what motivated Sterlin to allegedly fire a gun on the plane.

It is also unclear what charges Sterlin will face in Haiti, where he is expected to be extradited.