Florida Airport Placed on Lockdown Following Security Breach

Florida Airport Placed on Lockdown Following Security Breach

The airport was placed on lockdown until about 7 a.m. All flights at the airport were suspended for about five hours, and two flights were delayed during the lockdown.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Sep 21, 2018

Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Fla., was placed on lockdown early Thursday after an overnight incident where a suspect allegedly hopped a fence, entered a maintenance hangar and boarded a vacant American Airlines Airbus. The investigation is being overseen by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The suspect, a 22-year-old student pilot, was tackled by two airport employees as he entered the plane’s cockpit at about 2 a.m., according to authorities. One man held the suspect down while the other called the Melbourne Airport Police, said Lori Booker, spokeswoman for the aiport.

"There was a security breach," Booker said. "Our airport police department responded within two minutes."

The student pilot broke free and ran along the airfield before being taken into custody by two police officers. The man has been charged with a criminal attempt to steal an airplane, as well as a visa violation and criminal trespassing.

The airport was placed on lockdown until about 7 a.m. All flights at the airport were suspended for about five hours, and two flights were delayed during the lockdown.

According to Booker, security training helped officers and staff respond to the breach.

The investigation is being handled by the FBI, one of the members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Authorities are working to determine a motive and whether the incident was isolated, Booker said.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.