Luis A. Vaquero, Interference with Flight Crew Members, New Jersey 2025

NEWARK, N.J. – Luis A. Vaquero, 27, of Passaic County, New Jersey, was arrested for threatening flight attendants and crew members during a flight from Miami, Florida, to Newark Liberty International Airport.

According to Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna, Vaquero is charged with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

On February 9, 2025, shortly after taking off on a flight from Miami, Florida, Vaquero began threatening and harassing various passengers. He made threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocked a group of Jewish passengers. Vaquero also threatened a flight crew member who declined to serve him alcohol after the beverage service window closed.

Upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, flight attendants alerted law enforcement. After hearing the announcement that the airplane was awaiting the arrival of law enforcement, Vaquero forced his way to the front of the plane and began banging on the flight deck door, demanding, ‘I need the pilot to come outside!’ When a flight attendant attempted to intervene, Vaquero yelled, ‘I will really break your fuckin’ jaw n***a!’ and ‘I wanna see that fuckin’ captain! Come outside you bitch ass n***a!’

The incident culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck when witnesses say he banged on the cockpit door and confronted the pilot. The harrowing flight and other similar incidents onboard airplanes recently are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members.

The FBI Newark has a warning for those who think it may not be a big deal – they’re breaking federal law, and they will be brought to justice. Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said, ‘Over the course of a 3-hour flight, we allege Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain, but passengers, making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passenger.’

Related Federal Cases