First class jerk alert! A Qatar diplomat cause air marshals into action and F-16s to scramble all because he wanted to be cute.
From ABC News: FBI agents say no explosives were found in the shoes of a Qatar diplomat who was subdued by federal air marshals on a United flight to Denver Wednesday night after allegedly telling the marshals, "I'm lighting my shoes on fire."
Authorities say the diplomat was wrestled to the ground and two F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to accompany the 757 on the final five minutes of its flight to Denver. Flight 663 originated from Washington Reagan airport.
A US security official said, "it may have been a massive misunderstanding" and the diplomat's statement may have been a "sarcastic" comment when he was confronted by two air marshals who had been told by flight attendants that smoke was coming from the lavatory.[…]
The suspect was identified by authorities as a diplomat in the Qatar embassy in Washington, Mohammed al Modadi, 27. The FBI said the man had full diplomatic immunity as the 3rd secretary and vice-consul.
The jerk was smoking in the bathroom and when he got caught decided to be sarcastic. Oh that was so funny I forgot to laugh. This guy is a complete idiot. Why on earth would he have thought that “joke” would have been funny? Who wants to bet that a. he is immune from charges, b. he tries to sue?
Update: Associated Press is saying no charges to be brought against Mohammed al Modadi. Like we did not see that coming.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: ABC News
Via: The Jawa Report
Via: Associated Press