United flight diverted to Denver after passenger tries to open the door mid-flight

DENVER — TSA officials have confirmed that United Airlines flight flying from Washington D.C. to Las Vegas has been diverted to Denver airport after a passenger tried to open an exterior door on the plane while it was airborne.

DIA spokesman Jeff Green says that United Flight 223 was diverted to Denver at 5:10 p.m. Saturday, and the passenger has been taken into custody by the police waiting at the gate.

Green said that it is “virtually impossible” to open an exterior door in mid-flight.

The passenger, crew memebers and other passengers were being questioned by the FBI.

There were 129 passengers and 5 crew members on the flight.