Man makes bomb threat at New Orleans Airport due to unpaid parking fee, according to affidavit

Authorities in Louisiana report that a man allegedly made a bomb threat at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after he could not pay for parking, according to a sworn affidavit filed this week and cited by several media sources. The unusual incident took place earlier this month and has raised serious concerns about airport security and extreme reactions to financial stress.

The Incident

The affidavit, part of the federal case against Corey Johnson, states that he had parked his car at the airport and discovered he could not cover the parking charges when leaving. Rather than seeking assistance or alternative options, he reportedly called in a bomb threat in an attempt to avoid paying the fee. Johnson was formally indicted in late November 2025 for allegedly making the threat.

Law enforcement treated the call as a serious risk. Bomb squads and emergency responders were immediately dispatched, and portions of the airport were temporarily locked down while security teams conducted thorough inspections. No explosives were discovered, and authorities confirmed the threat was false. However, the situation caused delays and disruption for passengers and airport staff.

Legal Consequences

The affidavit indicates that Johnson was arrested shortly after the November 7 incident. He now faces federal charges for making a false bomb threat, a crime that carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Experts note that even hoax threats can result in significant prison time and financial liability.

In addition to criminal charges, Johnson may be held responsible for the costs associated with the emergency response, which involved multiple specialized agencies. Passengers described confusion and anxiety as security teams swept terminals, some flights were delayed, and certain areas of the airport were evacuated temporarily.

Airport officials later assured the public that there was no real danger and commended the rapid response by law enforcement.

Wider Implications

The case highlights the extreme lengths some individuals may go to over minor financial issues. While parking disputes are routine, escalating a minor frustration into a national security scare demonstrates a concerning disregard for public safety and the law. False threats consume resources, divert emergency personnel from real dangers, and undermine public confidence in security systems.

Though financial stress can influence behavior, using a bomb threat as a response is both illegal and dangerously reckless, putting countless lives at risk.

Next Steps

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court soon. Prosecutors are expected to pursue charges under federal laws governing threats to transportation facilities, which could result in years of imprisonment if convicted. Airport authorities are reviewing procedures to improve rapid responses to similar incidents. Officials emphasize that while the threat was false, the episode underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces.

Author: Grace Ellison