A Mexican national, who gained lawful permanent residency in 2018, admitted guilt on Thursday for attempting to stab a fellow passenger during a Seattle-to-Las Vegas flight. Federal prosecutors reported that Julio Alvarez Lopez fastened three pens together using hairbands before attempting to stab another passenger in the eye.

The assault occurred roughly 30 minutes before the flight’s scheduled landing in Las Vegas. According to a criminal complaint, Lopez left his seat to visit the restroom and, upon returning, began attacking a passenger across the aisle by punching and stabbing. Witnesses reported seeing ‘blood everywhere,’ and the victim’s wife tried to protect their young son during the attack.

Afterward, Lopez moved toward the front of the plane, insisting he would only speak to the FBI. A law enforcement officer on board instructed Lopez to sit, and passengers helped restrain him with flex cuffs for the rest of the flight. Upon landing at Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas police officers took Lopez into custody.

Federal court records reveal the victim was injured around the eye during this incident on January 24, 2024. Lopez pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.

Lopez confessed to FBI agents that he constructed the homemade weapon before boarding by tying the pens together with hairbands. He claimed to believe his victim was connected to the Cartel and intended to kill him.

Prosecutors stated the victim sustained injuries requiring stitches. Witnesses noticed Lopez acting erratically, describing behaviors like putting on and removing gloves repeatedly and rummaging through his backpack.

Images from the Department of Justice depicted the pen knife used in the attack. Witness descriptions included Lopez having gray hair tied in a bun and wearing a sweatshirt.

Lopez informed investigators he sought asylum in the U.S., believing the mafia pursued him for months. His sentencing is set for September 22.