The FBI sent a letter to passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight that experienced a midair blowout, stating that they may be victims of a crime.
The FBI letter, dated Tuesday, informed the recipients that they are potential crime victims, as stated by a Victim Specialist from the Seattle Division.
Attorney Mark Lindquist, representing over 20 passengers from the early January flight, shared a copy of the letter with The Hill, confirming it was sent to his clients on the Boeing 737 Max 9 flight.
The letter indicates that the FBI is conducting an investigation into the case, and emphasizes that victims of federal crimes are entitled to specific services. It also introduces the FBI’s Victim Assistance Program and the potential assistance available.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month earlier this month that the Department of Justice had initiated a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines flight where an 'explosive decompression' occurred when a panel, known as a door plug, came off midflight.
Lindquist on the Boeing plane where the blowout occurred was described as “essentially a time bomb” during an interview on Fox News’s “Fox and Friends” last month.
According to Lindquist, the Boeing plane delivered to Alaska Airlines lacked four critical bolts, making it a potential hazard. He mentioned that the door plug could have come off at any time.
In a preliminary report last month, the National Transportation Safety Board stated that four bolts that were supposed to help secure the door plug on the Boeing jet were missing before the blowout. The Hill has tried to contact Boeing, the FBI, and Alaska Airlines. Passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight that experienced a midair blowout earlier this year have received a letter from the FBI stating they may be crime victims. “As a Victim Specialist with the Seattle Division, I’m contacting you because we have identified you as a possible victim of a crime,” according to the FBI letter…
The Hill has reached out to Boeing, the FBI and Alaska Airlines.
