• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Former Delta pilot indicted for allegedly threatening co-pilot with gun during flight

0:22
Pilot charged with threatening captain mid flight
NurPhoto via Getty Images
ByAmanda Maile and Nadine El-Bawab
November 01, 2023, 5:54 PM

A former Delta pilot has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Utah after allegedly intimidating his co-pilot with a firearm during a commercial flight last year.

Jonathan J. Dunn was indicted earlier this month for interfering with the crew of a commercial airline flight.

In an August 2022 flight, Dunn -- who was a first officer -- allegedly interfered with the performance of a crew member by using a firearm to assault and intimidate the captain, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General.

Related Articles

MORE: Visiting nurse found dead in basement of patient's home in 'deeply troubling' case: Police

"After a disagreement about a potential flight diversion due to a passenger medical event, Dunn told the Captain they would be shot multiple times if the Captain diverted the flight," the department said in a statement.

Dunn was allowed to carry a firearm on the flight through the Transportation Security Administration’s Federal Flight Deck Officer program.

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 aircraft as seen.
NurPhoto via Getty Images

The TSA said in a statement to ABC News Wednesday it was "aware" of last year's incident. The agency said Dunn was removed from the Federal Flight Deck Officer program -- which authorizes certain pilots to carry a TSA issued firearm onboard planes "to defend the flight deck against an act of criminal violence or air piracy."

The Federal Aviation Administration told ABC News that Dunn does not hold a current medical certificate, which is required for flying.

Related Articles

MORE: Heavily armed man with tactical gear, explosives found dead at Colorado adventure park

The medical certificate was pulled following the incident.

The pilot was working for Delta Air Lines at the time of the incident.

"Out of respect for the ongoing aviation authority investigation of this incident, Delta will refrain from commenting on this matter but will confirm that this First Officer is no longer employed at Delta," the company said in a statement.

Dunn is set to be arraigned on Nov. 16.

Up Next in News—

Toys R Us planning major comeback ahead of holiday season

September 18, 2026

How to save at the pump amid high gas prices

September 18, 2026

Holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy trial says he 'didn't have any doubts' during deliberations

September 18, 2026

Uber ordered to pay $40M to parents of woman fatally struck after being left on freeway

September 17, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News