Man accused of making bomb threat on plane appears in federal court

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - A man accused of making a bomb threat on an Allegiant Airlines plane heading to Roanoke appeared in federal court in Tampa Monday, July 7, according to the FBI.

A plane coming from St. Pete-Clearwater Airport to Roanoke was deboarded after a bomb threat was made Sunday, July 6.

The suspect, 27-year-old Taj Taylor, of Florida, was arrested.

According to WTSP, Judge Thomas Wilson said Taylor has serious mental health issues. WTSP spoke to the parents who said Taylor struggles with mental health issues, stemming from a concussion years ago during a football game. A mental health evaluation was discussed, but no order was issued, according to WTSP.

Only one witness was called to testify, according to WTSP.

The agent said Taylor and a passenger nearby were discussing religion, and Taylor said he felt like the passenger was rude and did not feel comfortable being near him, according to WTSP. According to WTSP, the agent said he also interviewed the passenger who admitted who “having a drink and not being polite.”

WTSP reports a special agent with the FBI said six people heard Taylor say he had a bomb or that his laptop was a bomb, and the passenger took his laptop away from him.

The agent said Taylor denies making those comments, and the FBI confirmed he did not have a bomb, according to WTSP.

Judge Wilson ruled Taylor to remain in federal custody as a threat to flee and an endangerment to the case, according to WTSP.