Several New York air traffic controllers on Monday heard a horrific threat in audio obtained exclusively by CBS News: “On Wednesday we want a plane to the Capitol. Soleimani will be avenged.”
The threat makes reference Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed last year in a U.S. drone strike ordered by President Trump. It was made on the one-year anniversary of Soleimani’s death, for which Iranian officials have long vowed revenge.
It is unclear who sent the threat. While the government does not believe the warning of an attack is credible, it is being investigated as a breach of aviation frequencies, CBS News reported.
Sources told CBS News that the Pentagon and other agencies were briefed Tuesday on the digitized voice recording. Sources said they believed the threat was designed to suggest that he be beaten at the Capitol on the same day that Congress will have the results of the Electoral College.
Experts said the intrusion is worrisome because it could affect the instructions pilots receive about how and where they fly the planes.
Sources told CBS News that a message was sent to air traffic controllers on Tuesday to remind them that any threat or aircraft deviating from the flight path should be reported immediately.
The FBI makes no comment, but said it takes “all threats of violence to public safety seriously.” The Federal Aviation Administration said it is in contact with law enforcement.
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