Local News
Seven killed, one survived in Bangor plane crash
Seven passengers were killed and one crew member survived following a plane crash Sunday night at Bangor International Airport in Maine, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet that crashed while attempting to take off from the airport shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time.
The jet, which was owned by Arnold & Itkin LLP, a Houston-based law firm, was carrying a total of eight people at the time of the accident.
Officials initially stated that the conditions of those on board were unknown; however, the FAA later confirmed that seven passengers were fatally injured and that one crew member survived.
Flight records indicate the aircraft departed Houston earlier in the day and arrived at Bangor International Airport at approximately 6:09 p.m.
The crash occurred less than two hours later during a subsequent takeoff attempt. It remains unclear why the aircraft was preparing to depart again so soon after landing.
Bangor International Airport confirmed at 8:25 p.m. that an incident involving an aircraft was under investigation and stated that emergency responders were actively working at the scene.
Airport officials urged the public to avoid the area, noting that the runway had been closed as a result of the crash.
Images from the scene showed a significant emergency response on the runway, with smoke visible in the vicinity of the aircraft.
Weather conditions at the time included heavy snow, though authorities have not confirmed whether weather played a role in the incident. Several local residents reported hearing a loud boom and described what sounded like an explosion at the time of the crash.
According to aviation tracking data, the aircraft is registered to Arnold & Itkin LLP. It has not been confirmed whether any employees or representatives of the law firm were among the passengers.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have announced that they will conduct a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
A town hall meeting in Minneapolis was disrupted Tuesday evening after an individual rushed the stage and sprayed U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar with an unknown substance, prompting a swift response from security and law enforcement.
According to witnesses and video from inside the venue, the incident occurred as Rep. Omar was addressing the audience and calling for Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment.
An adult male attendee suddenly moved past security barriers, ran toward the stage, and appeared to deploy a liquid or aerosol substance in Rep. Omarโs direction.
Security personnel, along with several attendees, immediately intervened and subdued the individual. Rep. Omar was quickly escorted from the stage by her security detail and Capitol Police as a precaution.
Sources familiar with the situation said Rep. Omar was not seriously injured and was evaluated for possible eye or skin irritation related to the substance.
She was reported to be safe, and no hospitalization was required.
As of late Tuesday evening, Rep. Omar had not released a public statement regarding the incident.
Minneapolis Police Department officers and federal authorities responded to the scene and took the suspectโdescribed as a man in his 30sโinto custody without further incident.
Investigators said no weapon other than the spray device was recovered.
The substance involved has not yet been identified, and authorities have not announced potential charges.
The incident remains under active investigation by local and federal law enforcement agencies.