Man Charged After Targeting Jewish Passengers on Miami-to-Newark Flight

New Jersey Man Charged for Threats and Violent Behavior on Miami-to-Newark Flight

A 27-year-old New Jersey man has been charged after allegedly making threats toward Jewish passengers and exhibiting violent behavior on a flight from Miami to Newark on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Luis Vaquero, of Passaic County, reportedly began the flight by mocking Jewish passengers and making disturbing remarks about a disabled child. However, his actions escalated when a flight attendant denied him alcohol after the beverage service had ended. In response, Vaquero allegedly threatened the attendant, saying, “You better watch out, s—’s gonna happen to you.”

Concerned for safety, the flight crew requested law enforcement assistance upon arrival. Authorities said Vaquero continued his threats as the plane taxied, at one point banging on the flight deck door and shouting at the captain. His aggressive behavior persisted even after the aircraft reached the gate, prompting law enforcement intervention.

Video footage captured Vaquero yelling expletives and making threats, including demands to confront the captain.

Vaquero has been charged with interfering with flight crew members, a federal offense carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI emphasized that such conduct will not be tolerated and offenders will be held accountable.

As of Tuesday morning, Vaquero was not listed in Federal Bureau of Prisons records.