Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder on Flight

A Mexican national who received lawful permanent residency in 2018 pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon after an incident on a Seattle-to-Las Vegas flight. He attempted to stab a fellow passenger with a makeshift weapon made of three pens bound with hairbands.

Federal prosecutors detailed that the attack occurred 30 minutes before the plane’s arrival in Las Vegas. The assailant, Julio Alvarez Lopez, left his seat, went to the restroom, and upon returning, began a violent attack on a nearby passenger. Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene with blood present as the victim’s wife pleaded with Lopez to stop. In the commotion, she was struck while shielding her young son.

After the assault, Lopez moved toward the front of the plane, repeatedly stating he would only communicate with the FBI. Law enforcement present on the flight and other passengers managed to restrain him with flex cuffs provided by flight attendants.

The aircraft landed without further incident at Harry Reid International Airport, where law enforcement arrested Lopez. Court documents show the victim sustained injuries near his eye, requiring medical stitches.

In statements to the FBI, Lopez explained he constructed the weapon aboard the flight and believed the victim, referred to as C.R., was following him. Lopez asserted he thought C.R. was part of a cartel and had intentions of killing him.

Witnesses reported observing Lopez’s unusual behavior before the attack. He appeared restless, frequently adjusted his gloves, rummaged through his backpack, and avoided eye contact. One witness described Lopez as wearing a sweatshirt and having his hair tied in a top bun.

Investigators learned that Lopez claimed he sought U.S. asylum due to being pursued by the mafia for several months. His sentencing is set for September 22.

Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report, covering various legal and cultural topics.