DETROIT, MI — A Monroe, Michigan man has been arrested and charged in a disturbing incident that temporarily paralyzed operations at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and disrupted the travel plans of dozens of passengers. Federal authorities have accused 23-year-old John Charles Robinson of making a hoax bomb threat call to Spirit Airlines on Thursday, June 5, 2025, after missing his scheduled flight. This act of retaliation not only led to significant delays but also involved a massive law enforcement response, costing valuable resources and causing unnecessary panic.
The events began early Thursday morning when Robinson, who had been scheduled to board Spirit Airlines Flight 2145 to Los Angeles, was denied boarding due to his late arrival at the gate. According to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, Robinson’s response to the situation was to place a phone call to Spirit Airlines at approximately 6:25 a.m. During the call, Robinson allegedly made alarming statements, claiming he had information about a bomb threat regarding the flight.
“I was calling about 2145… because I have information about that flight… there’s gonna be someone who’s gonna try to blow up the airport… they’re going to be carrying a bomb through the TSA… it’s not going to be able to be detected,” Robinson is accused of saying during the phone call.
The call immediately prompted an emergency response. Spirit Airlines took swift action by canceling Flight 2145, evacuating the aircraft, and working in coordination with the FBI, Wayne County Airport Authority Police, and the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service. Bomb-sniffing dogs were brought in to sweep the aircraft and surrounding areas in an attempt to locate any explosives. The airport was temporarily locked down, and several other flights were delayed as a result of the heightened security measures.
Fortunately, after a thorough search, no explosives were found, and the threat was determined to be a hoax. However, the disruption caused by Robinson’s actions was far-reaching. Not only did it waste critical law enforcement resources, but it also caused widespread anxiety among passengers, employees, and the general public. Spirit Airlines passengers, who were already experiencing delays due to the incident, were forced to wait longer as authorities cleared the airport.
As the investigation into the bomb threat continued, it didn’t take long for law enforcement to piece together the details of the incident. Investigators learned that Robinson had been booked on Flight 2145, the very same flight he made the false threat about. However, he had missed the flight due to tardiness. After being told he could rebook for a later flight, Robinson reportedly made the bomb threat call in an apparent act of retaliation for missing his original flight.
The FBI, utilizing phone records and surveillance footage, quickly traced the call back to Robinson’s cellphone. Authorities were able to locate him later that same day at the airport as he attempted to board another flight to Los Angeles. He was arrested on the spot, marking the swift conclusion to a highly alarming situation that could have had much more severe consequences.
The arrest of John Charles Robinson was announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Detroit Field Office. Gorgon condemned the hoax bomb threat, emphasizing its serious implications for public safety and national security.
“No American wants to hear the words ‘bomb’ and ‘airplane’ in the same sentence. Making this kind of threat undermines our collective sense of security and wastes valuable law enforcement resources,” said Gorgon in a statement. He stressed that such threats are not taken lightly, as they can disrupt entire cities and pose a direct threat to public safety.
FBI Special Agent Gibson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to swiftly addressing any threat to public safety. “Anyone who threatens to bomb an aircraft and endanger public safety will be swiftly investigated and brought to justice. This was a coordinated effort by our FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, and we remain committed to protecting the public and confronting those who seek to spread fear in our communities,” said Gibson.
Robinson made his initial court appearance in Detroit federal court later that afternoon. During his appearance, he was released on bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 27, 2025, when he will undergo a preliminary examination. If convicted, Robinson could face significant prison time under federal law, which prohibits making false threats involving explosives and other dangerous materials.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Douglas Salzenstein, who have underscored the seriousness of the charges Robinson is facing. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that they are exploring whether Robinson’s actions were influenced by other factors, including potential impairment or other motives.
While the situation has now been resolved, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of hoax threats and the need for continued vigilance at transportation hubs across the country. Authorities have reiterated that threats like the one made by Robinson are taken extremely seriously, and anyone found guilty of making such threats will face severe consequences.
The incident also highlights the strain placed on law enforcement and emergency responders when hoax threats are made. As seen in this case, resources were diverted from other critical areas to address a situation that turned out to be false. The event led to significant delays for travelers and involved a complex, multi-agency response, including the FBI, local law enforcement, and specialized units like the Federal Air Marshal Service.
This incident is a reminder of the importance of keeping air travel safe and secure, particularly in an era where security threats can take many forms. Whether real or imagined, the presence of a bomb threat at an airport can cause widespread chaos, endanger lives, and result in a costly, time-consuming investigation. As a result, officials have stressed that the public must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
In response to the incident, Spirit Airlines has worked diligently to support passengers affected by the flight delays. The airline has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its passengers and staff, with heightened security measures being implemented in collaboration with law enforcement. They have also reiterated their dedication to providing updates and assistance to passengers who were impacted by the disruption.
As the investigation continues, the public is being reminded of the potential consequences of making false threats. Even if a threat is not carried out, the impact on the community, on resources, and on public safety can be profound. Federal officials are emphasizing the importance of understanding the gravity of hoax threats and the need for responsible behavior in an increasingly complex world of security concerns.
This case has sparked a renewed conversation about airport safety, law enforcement resources, and the consequences of hoax threats. While Robinson’s actions have caused significant disruption, authorities remain focused on ensuring that justice is served and that the public is protected from similar threats in the future. As the investigation progresses, law enforcement will continue to assess the full scope of Robinson’s actions and determine if there are any other contributing factors.
This case also reminds us of the importance of personal responsibility and the far-reaching consequences of thoughtless decisions. Making false threats, regardless of intent, is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous, and it can have devastating effects on others. The community, both in Detroit and beyond, will continue to learn from this incident as law enforcement officials work to ensure that such a situation does not happen again.
As Robinson’s case proceeds through the legal system, the message is clear: threatening public safety in any way, especially in a transportation hub, will not be tolerated. Law enforcement and security agencies will continue to act swiftly and decisively to ensure that those who attempt to jeopardize the safety of others are held accountable for their actions.
