MA Man Who Tried To Stab Flight Attendant, Open Plane Door Released: USAO

BOSTON, MA — The man who attempted to open the door of an airplane mid-flight and stab a flight attendant has been released from prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Massachusetts.

Francisco Severe Torres of Leominster has been sentenced to time served, which was 26 months, followed by five years of supervised release. The 35-year-old was charged on March 5, 2023, after attempting to open an emergency exit door on a United Airlines flight and stabbing a flight attendant in the neck with a broken metal spoon.

In May, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon.

According to the charging documents, nearly one hour before the flight was scheduled to land, an attendant noticed one of the side doors of the plane was disarmed. Witnesses reported seeing Torres near the door and that he tampered with it.

After that, the report said that Torres approached the door where the flight attendants were standing. A video taken by a passenger shows him yelling that he would “kill every man on this plane” and “I’m taking over this plane.”

He then stabbed a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon in the neck three times, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Torres was charged immediately upon arrival in Boston. He is now prohibited from flying on a commercial aircraft for five years.

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