A 25-year-old Houston man, Abdulrahman Oriyomi, has been released on a $15,000 bond after being charged with felony impairing or interrupting the operation of a critical infrastructure facility following an incident at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on May 18.
According to his attorney, Oriyomi believed he had purchased a legitimate discounted airline ticket online and did not knowingly use a fake boarding pass. Prosecutors and investigators, however, allege that he used a forged boarding pass to pass through TSA screening and eventually boarded a United Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles without authorization.
Court records state that:
– He unsuccessfully attempted to board other flights before reaching the gate for United Flight 469.
– He allegedly entered the aircraft while gate agents were distracted and without a valid boarding pass being scanned.
– He occupied seats assigned to other passengers and moved around the cabin.
– Flight attendants became suspicious when they could not locate him on the passenger manifest.
– He reportedly identified himself as “Mr. Lopez” when questioned.
The aircraft returned to the gate before departure, triggering a major response involving local police, the FBI, TSA, airport officials, and a K-9 unit. All passengers were required to deplane while authorities searched the aircraft, causing an estimated three-hour delay.
Investigators later determined that Oriyomi had previously made a reservation, but it was canceled after payment was not received. Authorities also concluded that the boarding pass on his phone appeared fraudulent and contained what they believe was a forged QR code.
The incident has raised questions about airport security procedures, as officials have not publicly explained how he was able to clear TSA screening and reach the secure area of the airport with a boarding pass that investigators later determined may have been fake.
Oriyomi has no known prior criminal history in Harris County, and the case remains pending.