American citizen killed in Belize after allegedly attempting to hijack plane

An American citizen on Thursday was fatally shot in Belize, after he allegedly tried to hijack a plane at knife point, authorities said.

Akinyela Sawa Taylor, who was denied entry to the country over the weekend but somehow entered anyway, was shot in the chest by a passenger who had a licensed firearm, according to ABC News. Three other passengers were allegedly wounded by Taylor.

Police officials said that 14 passengers were on board the small plane at the time of the incident, including two Americans. All three people injured with knife wounds were from Belize. 

Officials also claimed that Taylor wanted to be taken out of the country and was demanding more fuel for the plane, which was almost out of fuel when it landed. The hijacking took place shortly before takeoff.

It is not clear how Taylor was able to board the plane with a knife. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.