Alaska Airlines Flight 2059

The incident is notable due to the extreme danger it posed to the 83 people aboard the Embraer 175 jet. The attempt was thwarted by the quick intervention of the operating flight crew, who subdued Emerson and safely diverted the flight. The event raised significant questions about cockpit security protocols and the mental health screening of aviation personnel.

Emerson has recently been in the news due to the conclusion of his federal case. In November 2025, multiple news outlets reported that he was sentenced to three years of supervised release, avoiding a prison term. This sentencing brings a legal resolution to a highly publicized case that had been ongoing since the 2023 incident.