An Australian man has described how he and other passengers managed to subdue a 17-year-old teenager who boarded a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, while carrying a firearm.
According to Victoria Police, the teenager breached airport security by cutting a hole in the perimeter fence. Disguised as a maintenance worker and wearing a tool belt, he attempted to board a commercial flight before being overpowered by at least three passengers.
Former Boxer Takes Action
Barry Clark, a former shearer and amateur bo
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xer, was one of those who intervened. Speaking to ABC Radio, he recalled noticing the firearm while the teenager was speaking with a flight attendant.
“The flight attendant was questioning his presence on the plane,” Clark said.
The incident occurred aboard Jetstar flight JQ610 bound for Sydney, carrying approximately 160 passengers. Clark and other passengers restrained the teenager just before 3:00 p.m., holding him until police arrived and took him into custody.
Speaking to The Project on Channel Ten, Clark described the moment he saw the barrel of a shotgun while the teenager was talking to the flight attendant.
“I thought to myself: That’s not a tool that should be on a plane,” he said.
Realizing the potential danger, Clark reacted immediately.
“I knew that if I pushed the gun to the side, even if it went off, it wouldn’t hit anyone,” he explained. He then moved the flight attendant aside and tackled the teenager.
Police Investigation Underway
Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid stated that it was still too early to determine whether the incident would be classified as an act of terrorism. Initial investigations suggest the teenager acted alone and had no prior criminal record.
Avalon Airport temporarily closed following the incident but resumed operations later that night with enhanced security measures. In a statement, Ari Suss, CEO of Avalon Airport, reassured the public that passenger and staff safety remains the top priority. He also urged travelers to check with Jetstar for flight updates.
A Heroic Response
Clark, who spent 28 years as a shearer and had experience in professional boxing, said he had no time for fear during the incident.
“If you get scared, you make mistakes. You just have to act,” he said.
He praised the calm response of the passengers, adding:
“Everyone on that plane can pat themselves on the back.”
Reflecting on his actions, he emphasized that his upbringing taught him to take responsibility and protect others.
“I didn’t want to see that poor girl get shot,” he concluded. “You just do what you have to do.”
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