DETROIT- A passenger booked on Spirit Airlines (NK) was arrested after making a false bomb threat against Flight 2145 departing from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX) on June 5, 2025.
The suspect, John Charles Robinson, a 23-year-old from Monroe, Michigan, allegedly made the threat after missing the flight. The hoax led to the flight’s cancellation and a full security sweep, though no explosives were found.
FBI Arrests Spirit Airlines Passenger
According to the criminal complaint, Robinson called Spirit Airlines (NK) around 6:25 a.m. on June 5, claiming someone would attempt to bomb Flight 2145 from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX).
The caller warned that a bomb would bypass TSA detection, urging the airline to prevent boarding.
As a result, Spirit Airlines immediately canceled the flight. All passengers and crew were deplaned, and the aircraft underwent a full inspection by bomb-sniffing dogs and FBI agents. No explosives or suspicious materials were discovered.
Federal agents soon discovered that Robinson had been booked on the same flight but arrived late and missed it. He was told to rebook and later returned to the airport in an attempt to catch another flight to Los Angeles.
When Robinson reappeared at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), he was arrested by members of the FBI’s Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force in collaboration with the Wayne County Airport Authority Police and the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service.
Federal Authorities Respond to Security Threat
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., condemned the act, stating, “No American wants to hear the words ‘bomb’ and ‘airplane’ in the same sentence. Making this kind of threat undermines our collective sense of security.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized that such threats are taken seriously, adding, “Anyone who threatens to bomb an aircraft and endanger public safety will be swiftly investigated and brought to justice.”
Robinson made an initial court appearance in Detroit and was released on bond. A preliminary examination is scheduled for June 27, 2025. Prosecutors Hank Moon and Douglas Salzenstein are handling the case.
Similar Incident
Southwest Airlines (WN) Flight 2556 encountered an unexpected diversion to Nashville International Airport on Monday, June 2, 2025, after authorities received a bomb threat during the aircraft’s scheduled service from New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL).
Law enforcement detained a male passenger following the security incident that kept the Boeing 737-800 grounded for nearly four hours. Tactical units boarded the aircraft and conducted a thorough search while passengers remained seated with their heads down during the operation.
The flight crew initially informed passengers that the diversion resulted from a fuel-related issue, but video footage revealed eight armed officers in full tactical gear entering the aircraft. Officers escorted the detained passenger from the plane after searching his luggage and completing security protocols.
Local journalist Nick Beres and passenger accounts indicate that the detained passenger’s spouse made the bomb threat call. The caller reportedly recanted the threat while the aircraft approached Nashville, but authorities maintained their high-alert response protocol.
Federal agencies have not released official statements confirming the caller’s identity or motivations behind the threat. Law enforcement conducted the operation according to standard aviation security procedures that prioritize passenger and aircraft safety during potential explosive device situations.
The 10.6-year-old aircraft, registered as N8652B, underwent comprehensive security screening during the extended ground stop. Authorities found no explosive devices or hazardous materials during their investigation.
Online speculation suggested Immigration and Customs Enforcement might have used the incident to detain the passenger, but no federal agency has confirmed these claims. Aviation security protocols require an immediate response to credible threats regardless of their ultimate validity.
Passengers received $100 travel vouchers as compensation for the delay and inconvenience caused by the security incident. The flight eventually continued to Dallas Love Field after authorities cleared the aircraft for departure.
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