Case Summary
- Case Type
- Assault
- Incident Date
- Saturday
- Incident Time
- Night
- Location
- Las Vegas, NV, Las Vegas, NV
- Investigating Agency
- ABC News US
- Suspect
- Dante Milne
- Suspect Age
- 25
- Victim Count
- not named
- Charges
- making a threat or offering false information in reference to an act of terrorism
- Arrest Status
- taken into custody
- Court Status
- plans to plead not guilty
- Case Status
- active
A 25-year-old passenger was arrested in Las Vegas after a text message referencing a hijacking forced a Newark-bound United Airlines flight to turn back, with the suspect later telling police the message was merely banter with a co-worker.
According to police reports, Dante Milne was taken into custody following the incident on Saturday night, which triggered a mid-air diversion after a flight attendant spotted the threatening text on his screen.
Incident Overview
The flight was headed to Newark, New Jersey, when a flight attendant noticed passengers exchanging messages during the boarding process. The attendant observed derogatory remarks about other passengers and flight crew members, followed by an incoming message that began with the phrase about hijacking. Once the aircraft passed 10,000 feet, following sterile flight deck procedures, the crew was notified. The pilot contacted air traffic control and made the decision to return to Las Vegas.
Milne later told officers that he had been in Las Vegas for a three-day apprenticeship training program for his work as an underwater welder. He acknowledged consuming beer and shots at an airport bar before boarding and stated he intended to sleep. When questioned about the specific text, Milne characterized the wording as poorly stated banter between co-workers and denied having any intention to harm anyone or hijack the aircraft.
Timeline of Events
- Saturday: Milne and a co-worker exchange text messages during the boarding process on a United Airlines flight in Las Vegas.
- Saturday night: A flight attendant observes a message referencing a hijacking on Milne's phone and alerts the lead flight attendant.
- After takeoff: The aircraft passes 10,000 feet, and the flight crew is notified of the text message.
- Mid-flight: The pilot informs air traffic control and diverts the flight back to Las Vegas.
- Post-landing: Dante Milne is taken into law enforcement custody.
Suspect Information
The suspect has been identified as Dante Milne, 25, a resident of Woodridge, New Jersey. Police reports indicate he was in Las Vegas for a work-related training program and had been drinking at an airport bar prior to the flight.
Victim Information
Victims are not named in the available police reports, though the flight crew and passengers on board the diverted aircraft were impacted by the mid-air emergency and subsequent return to Las Vegas.
Police Response
Law enforcement officers in Las Vegas responded to the airport following the plane's return, boarded the aircraft, took Milne into custody, and compiled an arrest report based on witness statements from the flight crew.
Investigation
The investigation was handled by local law enforcement in coordination with airline personnel and flight crew members who documented the text messages and communicated with air traffic control during the emergency diversion.
Evidence Collected
- Text message logs observed by flight attendants on the suspect's phone
- Audio recordings from air traffic control communications
- Police report documentation regarding suspect statements
Arrest Details
Dante Milne was arrested at the airport in Las Vegas after the United Airlines flight returned to the terminal on Saturday night.
Charges Filed
- Making a threat or offering false information in reference to an act of terrorism: This felony charge involves communicating false information or making threats concerning terrorist acts, carrying significant prison sentences and felony records upon conviction.
Court Information
The case is proceeding through the court system, where defense attorney James Gallo indicated his client plans to enter a not guilty plea. The specific case docket number has not been released by authorities.
Statements from Authorities
According to a release from ABC News US and accompanying police reports, Milne told officers that his message was poorly stated banter with a co-worker. Defense attorney James Gallo stated that he was still evaluating his client's case and that Milne plans to plead not guilty.
Public Safety Information
Aviation security regulations treat any threats or jokes regarding bombs or hijackings with extreme seriousness, frequently resulting in felony charges and immediate flight diversions. Travelers are reminded that statements regarding security threats onboard aircraft carry severe legal consequences. For emergencies, always dial 911.
What Happens Next
Following the filing of charges, the case will move toward formal arraignment and preliminary court hearings where prosecutors present evidence and the defense outlines its position regarding the planned not guilty plea.
