Passenger is charged in Denver with disrupting crew of diverted flight

StarTribune.com ^ | 1/13/10 | AP

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

A passenger on a diverted AirTran Airways flight accused of becoming unruly after he was refused more alcohol was charged Wednesday with interfering with a flight crew.

Muhammad Abu Tahir, 47, appeared in federal court with an interpreter.

Tahir did not officially enter a plea but said "no" after the interpreter repeated the allegations read by the judge.

"No, sir, you don't need to say anything now," U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tafoya replied, explaining the hearing was only intended to advise him of the charge.

He then answered "yes" when asked if he understood the charge.

Authorities said Tahir, who lives in Glen Allen, Va., became disruptive on a flight Jan. 8 from Atlanta to San Francisco. Two military jets were sent to tail the plane that was diverted to Colorado Springs by its captain.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

He understands plenty.....

[Harley]

Damn muslims, can’t hold their alcohol.

[La Lydia]

“Permanent US resident.” This needs to be revoked.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Update...

[steve-b]

Muhammad Abu Tahir, 47, appeared in federal court with an interpreter.

If he doesn't speak English, how did he ask for more alcohol on the plane?

[truth_seeker]

Detain him without bail, pending full payment for the military jets, fuel, etc. Bill his home country.

Then deport him.

[Aracelis]

Muhammad Abu Tahir

Gee...what a surprise. < /s>

[jazusamo]

I believe he’s going to find out he’ll be infinitely more disrespected real soon.

[Isabel C.]

A passenger on a diverted AirTran Airways flight accused of becoming unruly after he was refused more alcohol was charged Wednesday with interfering with a flight crew.

I could never understand why alcohol is served to airline passengers. Don't most people who drink too much become unruly?

[Kozak]

Hope he gets the bill for the diversion of the plane, and the scramble of the two fighters.

[thesharkboy]

Don't most people who drink too much become unruly?

I just get drunk.

[Bluebeard16]

“If he doesn’t speak English, how did he ask for more alcohol on the plane?”

An arabic game of charades by chance?

[OB1kNOb]

Muhammad Abu Tahir

Yet another radical Amish.

[hellbender]

Muslims are not supposed to drink alcohol. Jihadis drink and whore around because they think they will compensate with their violence on behalf of their prophet.

[ronniesgal]

he probably snapped his fingers, and then pointed at the booze.

[Cyber Liberty]

Don't most people who drink too much become unruly?

Not in my experience...and I've worked in bars.

[Cyber Liberty]

You forgot the whistle.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Hope he gets the bill for the diversion of the plane, and the scramble of the two fighters.

In Zero's USA???

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

I’m certain that he speaks english. But, bring in the interpreter to play to the heartstrings of the court.

WE ARE BEING PLAYED LIKE A CHEAP VIOLIN!!!

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Don't most people who drink too much become unruly?

On flights, especially international, that has been my experience.

(Especially from the UK)