[ozarkgirl]

The suspect is a 37-year-old Mexican national.

They don't say whether he was legal or illegal, so I'm assuming he's illegal.

To me, a Mexican national would be a legal Mexican citizen. Not that it matters, that's just the way I read it.

[cricket]

To me, a Mexican national would be a legal Mexican citizen. Not that it matters, that's just the way I read it.

You would think. . .but then; why not just say he was/lived. . .traveling from. . . Mexico. Or as you offer; just say. . .Mexican 'Citizen'.

What IS with the 'national'. . .save only to obscure, perhaps.. .

[HHKrepublican_2]

Yes, he could have flown in on a connection from MexCity to LAX for all we know.

[calex59]

I think he meant legal or illegal resident of the US. I am sure he is a legal Mexican!

[Mrs. Shawnlaw]

I read it that way to. Not everyone on an airliner has to be an american citizen. Just like on a cruise ship. Not everyone has to be an american citizen. Not everyone going from LA to Hawaii needs to be an american citizen.

I think the author is playing on the mexicanism here. The author conveniently mentions Mexican National and Speaking Spanish. Notice how a lot of posts gravitate to that?

KUDOS to the passengers!!!!!!!!!!! The tacklers should get free tickets or at least a refund on their ticket price paid.