The recent attempted hijacking at Vancouver’s airport caused quite a stir. Shaheer Cassim, a former pilot, is accused of taking control of a Cessna. Just before the incident, he claimed on social media to be a “messenger of Allah” here to combat climate change.
Cassim, 39, allegedly threatened a flight instructor at Victoria International Airport before heading to Vancouver. Authorities quickly responded, sending F-15 fighter jets to monitor the situation. Thankfully, the plane landed safely.
Cassim’s posts reveal a mix of environmental concerns and religious fervor. In one post, he warned about the impending dangers of climate change, saying it could lead to human extinction in just a few years. He has also described himself as an advocate for peace and tolerance, even claiming the Angel Gabriel delivered a message to him.
His past offers some insight. Before this incident, Cassim worked for KD Air, a now-defunct airline. The former owners remembered him as a bright and capable pilot but noted that he left out of boredom and pursued medical studies instead. They expressed surprise at his current actions, suggesting there were deeper issues at play.
Research shows that climate anxiety can lead to extreme behavior. A study from the American Psychological Association found that many young people are stressed about climate change’s impact, which could manifest in radical actions. This context makes Cassim’s actions somewhat understandable, if not justifiable.
In our increasingly complex world, it’s vital to address mental health and environmental concerns. Supporting discourse around these issues, rather than dismissing them, may prevent future incidents.
For more on climate-related mental health, you can check out this report from the American Psychological Association.
