Officials warn of ‘alarming increase’ in sex attacks on female plane passengers

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Earlier last week, another defendant pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact, following a separate incident in a flight from Phoenix on 20 March 2023. “The Western District of Washington continues to see an alarming increase in sexual abuse cases aboard aircraft,” Ms Gorman said in a press release. “I’m concerned at the increase of these incidents and assure the travelling public the FBI and our partners will continue to investigate and prosecute any offender who victimises someone on a plane.” In 2022, the FBI explained that sexual assaults on aircrafts were often different to other scenarios, as the victims tend to not know the perpetrator. They often have a history of sexual assault and are skilled in identifying targets from years of experience.” At the time, the FBI said agents were clearing more cases for full criminal investigations and that the increase in reports may be down to victims feeling greater confidence in coming forward.