Oregon man released after jetliner disruption; FBI says no terrorism link

Oregon man freed after jetliner disruption

PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon man has been released without charges after authorities say he became disruptive on a commercial flight bound for Hawaii, leading two F-15 fighter jets to escort the flight back to Portland International Airport.

The FBI says the man has no known terrorist links.

Military officials say the fighter jets were sent up Wednesday as a precaution.

The action comes amid heightened concern about airline security and the charge that a Nigerian man tried to blow up a jetliner bound for Detroit on Christmas Day.

The FBI says it questioned the 56-year-old Salem man and turned over the matter to federal prosecutors. A spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration says the man made threatening remarks and refused to stow his carryon luggage.

The flight landed safely in Portland, and the man was removed. The plane then was refueled and departed again.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say two F-15 fighter jets escorted a commercial flight bound for Hawaii back to Portland International Airport after a passenger became disruptive.

A spokesman for North American Aerospace Defense Command says the fighter jets intercepted Hawaiian Airlines flight 39 at about 1 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after the pilot decided to turn around.

Keoni Wagner, vice president of public affairs with Hawaiian Airlines, says the passenger failed to cooperate with crew. He did not elaborate, and additional details on the disruption were not immediately available.

Officials say the plane was carrying 231 passengers and a crew of 10.

Wagner says the plane landed safely in Portland and the passenger was removed. The plane was then refueled, and the flight departed again.