Leominster man accused of rampage on United flight allegedly said he was 'taking over this plane'
BOSTON - Francisco Severo Torres, the man accused of trying to stab a flight attendant and open an emergency exit door during a flight to Boston, was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation after appearing in federal court Thursday.
Torres, 33, of Leominster, is charged with one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon. He entered the U.S. District Court in Boston in handcuffs Thursday afternoon for a detention hearing in the case.
In court, Torres spoke out despite his lawyer's attempts to stop him, claiming that God and Jesus wanted him to make a statement. He initially objected to a mental evaluation, but the judge eventually ordered one.
Prosecutors say Torres tried to open an emergency door with about an hour left on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston March 5. He then allegedly tried to stab a flight attendant with a broken spoon. He was restrained by passengers until the flight landed at Logan Airport. No one was hurt. Torres was arrested by Massachusetts State Police and has been in custody since.
New documents filed by the government on Thursday detail what Torres allegedly said to passengers on the flight. He allegedly said there was going to be a "bloodbath" and said he was "taking over this plane."
"I am waiting for them to point the gun at me so I can show everybody that I won't die when I take every bullet in that clip to wherever in my body they shoot it and then I will kill every man on this plane," Torres is accused of saying. "They're going to have to shoot me down today."
Eight days before the incident in the air, prosecutors said Torres was telling people he wanted to die and that he was "half angel and half devil."
A passenger who recorded video of the incident on her phone said Torres was "out of control."
If convicted, he faces up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Torres has had prior interactions with police and court documents show he has a history of mental illness.
