Preliminary Information

On 11/25/25, Officers assigned to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport responded to a KLM Airlines flight in reference to a person armed call. A KLM flight bound for Amsterdam was delayed after a passenger made a 911 call reporting a possible weapon was onboard the flight. The aircraft, identified as Flight 622, returned to Ramp 9 where APD officers boarded the flight and took custody of the caller, Mr. Johannes Van Heertum (age 32)

Preliminary investigation indicates Van Heertum believed he saw another passenger with a weapon and appeared to have panicked, ultimately opening the emergency exit door and deploying the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing. Van Heertum also appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode. He was evaluated by EMTs at the International Terminal Precinct before being charged with Reckless Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property, and Interfering with Security Measures. He was transported to Clayton County Jail without incident. APD Homeland Security were notified of the incident. Nothing further at this time.