An international flight diverted to Rome this week after a passenger informed the crew that they had a power bank charging in their checked baggage, according to multiple reports.

The London-based easyJet plane was flying from Hurghada, Egypt to London’s Luton Airport on Tuesday evening when the incident happened.

“No one knew what to think,” passenger Paul Casterton told The Sun. “Suddenly, the plane changed direction and made a descent. It was hard not to fear the worst.”

He added that the passengers were relieved when they found out the issue was a power bank.

20,000 BAGS STRANDED AFTER TECHNICAL ISSUE AT MAJOR AIRPORT LEAVES TRAVELERS SCRAMBLING

“Thank goodness it wasn’t a bomb in the hold,” he said. “Word spread as to the true reason we had been diverted. It was quite an ordeal, but mostly relief that everyone was OK.”  

A spokesperson for easyJet told People magazine and The Sun: “Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to Luton on May 19 diverted to Rome Fiumicino as the crew were informed a power bank was charging in luggage.  

“The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations,” the statement continued.

RECORD MEMORIAL DAY TRAFFIC EXPECTED AS RIVERS WARNED ABOUT WORST TIMES TO TRAVEL 

The spokesperson added, “The aircraft landed safely, and passengers disembarked routinely. We provided hotel accommodation and meals where available. As some customers remained in the airport, they were provided with refreshments.”

EasyJet didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s after-hours request for comment.

Portable chargers and lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked bags on all U.S. and international flights because of the risk of fire.

They are allowed in carry-on bags.

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The airline added that the “safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority, and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.”

EasyJet also apologized to the passengers “for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”

A shooting near the security perimeter of the White House on Saturday evening left the suspected gunman dead, injured a bystander and triggered panic among tourists and journalists gathered near the complex. Officials said the shooting happened shortly after 6 pm local time near a checkpoint close to the White House grounds. According to the US Secret Service, the suspect allegedly pulled a firearm from a bag and opened fire toward officers guarding the area. Officers immediately returned fire, critically injuring the suspect. He later died at a hospital. Authorities also confirmed that a bystander suffered injuries during the exchange of gunfire. US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was not harmed.

Who was Nasire Best White House shooting suspect?

Nasire Best, the 21-year-old Maryland man identified by US media as the suspect in the shooting near the White House security perimeter, was reportedly known to federal security agencies before the incident. According to reports, Best was allegedly “mentally troubled” and had repeatedly been seen loitering around security entry points near the White House complex. The New York Post reported that he had earlier violated a court order directing him to stay away from the area. Reports also said that on June 26, 2025, Best allegedly blocked vehicular traffic on 15th Street and was later involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility for treatment. Less than two weeks later, on July 10, 2025, he was arrested again after allegedly bypassing a restricted White House pedestrian checkpoint by entering through an exit turnstile lane. Investigators have not yet publicly established a motive behind the latest shooting incident.
Some reports also claimed Best believed he was “Jesus Christ” and had violated a court order directing him to stay away from the White House grounds.

White House shooting suspect reportedly had earlier encounters with Secret Service

Multiple US media outlets reported that Best had a history of mental health struggles and had previously come to the attention of federal security agencies.

According to Fox News, Best was detained by Secret Service officers on June 26, 2025, after allegedly approaching agents and making threats. The report also said he was detained again on July 10, 2025, for entering a restricted zone near the White House complex.

The New York Post, quoting sources, reported that Best was believed to be mentally troubled and allegedly thought he was “Jesus Christ.”
The publication further claimed he had violated a court order that directed him to stay away from the White House area.
BNO News also cited reports saying Best had attempted to enter the White House complex last year.
Authorities have not officially confirmed a motive behind the shooting and the investigation remains ongoing.

How the shooting unfolded near the White House

According to the Associated Press, the gunfire erupted near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, roughly a block from the White House.

Journalists stationed around the White House said they heard several gunshots before security personnel instructed them to immediately move into shelter inside the press briefing room.

The Secret Service later said the suspect approached a checkpoint, took a weapon out of a bag and began firing at officers positioned at the security perimeter. Officers responded with gunfire.

The Associated Press reported that investigators were still trying to determine whether the injured bystander was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or during the officers’ response.

Photographs from the area showed a large police presence, crime-scene tape, evidence markers and emergency medical equipment scattered outside the White House perimeter.

Tourists and journalists describe panic after White House gunfire

News agency AFP reported that confusion and fear spread quickly across the area as shots rang out near the White House.

Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP he heard “probably 20 to 25″ noises that initially sounded like fireworks before he realised they were gunshots.

ABC News correspondent Selina Wang was reportedly recording a social media video on the White House grounds when the shooting began.

AFP also said journalists working on the White House North Lawn were ordered to run for cover and move into the briefing room during the exchange of fire.

Shooting renews focus on Trump security concerns

The latest incident has again raised concerns around security threats involving Trump.

The US president has faced several alleged assassination threats and security scares in recent months, including an alleged attempt linked to the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April and the 2024 shooting incident at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he suffered an ear injury.

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MANILA: Around 30 to 40 people are feared trapped after a nine-storey building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, north of the Philippine capital, a city official said on Sunday.

Eight people in the vicinity were rescued, while ‌11 others, including ⁠the site ⁠foreman, managed to escape, Jay Pelayo, the Angeles City information officer, told DZBB radio.

About 30 to 40 people were reported missing based on information from the site foreman, Pelayo said to DZBB. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, Pelayo said. It was not ⁠immediately clear ‌what caused the collapse, but the city engineer is reviewing the construction history, he ⁠said. Pelayo also said rescue efforts could be challenging as the structure is made of concrete, making it difficult to move the debris.

Images shared by DZBB showed the building reduced to a heap of concrete and twisted metal, covered in green netting.

“The assessment is not yet finished. ‌The unified command system is still working on it, and it is too early to determine the cause of ⁠the collapse, which is still being evaluated,” Pelayo said.

“Power lines were hit and were now being secured. We are calling on residents in the area to cooperate with authorities so rescue operations for those trapped are not delayed, and no one else is put at risk,” he said.