FBI says detained United passenger posed no 'identifiable threat'

The FBI has determined that a passenger removed from the United Airlines flight this morning posed no “identifiable threat” to the plane or its passengers and officials do not expect to file criminal charges.

The passenger got up from his seat about 8:30 a.m. to use the restroom and would not comply with the flight crew's instructions to return to his seat, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. The captain of the plane decided to return to the gate so that the incident could be investigated, she said.

“The passenger is being interviewed in connection with the incident and is cooperative,” she said. “Out of an abundance of caution, the passengers and their carry-on luggage were re-screened and the LAPD bomb unit conducted a precautionary search of the aircraft.

"No criminal charges are anticipated, and the passengers will proceed to their destination later today.”

Initially, the LAPD said two men were taken into custody in the incident.

-- Richard Winton

-- Richard Winton