A terrifying mid-air ordeal unfolded on a flight from Miami to Newark when a New Jersey man erupted in a violent tirade, hurling threats at fellow passengers—including a disabled child and a group of Jewish travelers—before attempting to force his way into the cockpit.

Luis A. Vaquero, 27, of Passaic, was arrested upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after a string of aggressive and menacing outbursts that left passengers shaken. Authorities say he threatened flight attendants, intimidated Jewish passengers, and even banged on the cockpit door while demanding the captain face him.

Vaquero was charged with interfering with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The nightmare began shortly after takeoff on Sunday. According to federal court filings, Vaquero harassed and threatened multiple passengers, including a disabled minor. His rage quickly escalated when he began mocking a group of Jewish travelers, prompting visible distress among those seated nearby.

Flight attendants soon became the target of his ire. When a crew member refused to serve him alcohol after the beverage service had ended, Vaquero’s threats turned chilling: “You better watch out, [expletive] gonna happen to you.”

As the situation deteriorated, flight attendants alerted authorities on the ground. But as the plane approached Newark, an announcement that law enforcement was awaiting its arrival sent Vaquero into a frenzy.

Witnesses say he abruptly stormed to the front of the plane, violently pounding on the cockpit door while screaming: “I need the pilot to come outside!”

A flight attendant bravely attempted to de-escalate the situation—only to be met with a vile, racist threat. “I will really break your [expletive] jaw!”

Undeterred, Vaquero continued his unhinged outburst, demanding the captain face him and spewing more hate-filled slurs: “I wanna see that [expletive] captain! Come outside, you [expletive]!”

When the captain finally emerged from the flight deck, Vaquero lunged forward, getting within six inches of his face and continuing to hurl threats. It was only then—just moments before the situation could have escalated further—that law enforcement stormed the aircraft and took Vaquero into custody.

Authorities wasted no time in denouncing Vaquero’s violent actions and reaffirming their commitment to protecting passengers and flight crews from mid-air threats.

“The defendant is charged with threatening flight crew members and passengers while traveling to Newark,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna. “We are committed to keeping the skies safe for flying and will prosecute those who criminally interfere with the professionals responsible for ensuring passenger safety.”

The FBI issued an even starker warning about the consequences of such behavior.

“Over the course of a three-hour flight, we allege Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain but also passengers—including a disabled minor—while mocking a group of Jewish travelers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly.

“It all culminated in a terrifying attack and an 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. 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.”

Vaquero appeared before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was released pending trial.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)