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A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday night (May 29) after a 75-year-old passenger attempted to breach the cockpit multiple times. The incident occurred on Flight UA2005, which departed from Chicago O'Hare International Airport around 8:31 p.m.
The flight, carrying 147 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at Dane County Regional Airport at 9:11 p.m. to address the security concern. According to a United spokesperson, the passenger was experiencing a mental health crisis. Law enforcement, including the Dane County Sheriff's Office and the FBI, responded to the scene and detained the individual.
Air traffic control audio obtained by NBC News captured the crew's communication with ground personnel. A crew member reported that although the passenger was not handcuffed, they were eventually controlled and seated with law enforcement officers on either side.
The plane resumed its journey to Minneapolis, taking off from Madison at 1:25 a.m. and arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at 2:19 a.m. on Saturday morning, as shown by FlightAware data.
No injuries were reported, and no criminal charges are being pursued at this time. The FBI's Milwaukee's Madison Resident Agency is leading the investigation. The passenger's family in Minnesota has been contacted and is traveling to Madison to reunite with him.