Zvonko Bušić, Croatian terrorist, hijacker of TWA Flight 355 (d. 2013)

Zvonko Bušić (born January 23, 1946, died September 1, 2013) was a prominent Croatian emigrant figure, widely recognized for his involvement in the audacious hijacking of TWA Flight 355 in September 1976. This act was not merely a random criminal enterprise but a politically motivated endeavor aimed at drawing global attention to the Croatian national cause and the perceived injustices under the then-communist Yugoslav regime.

The Hijacking of TWA Flight 355: A Political Act

On September 10, 1976, Zvonko Bušić, along with his American-born wife, Julienne Bušić, and three other accomplices, commandeered TWA Flight 355, which was initially scheduled for a domestic flight from New York to Chicago. The hijackers, armed with what they claimed were explosives (later revealed to be mostly fake, though one real bomb was deployed elsewhere), diverted the Boeing 727 to destinations including Montreal, Gander, London, and ultimately Paris. Their core demands included the dropping of thousands of leaflets advocating for Croatian independence over major European and American cities, as well as the publication of their manifestos in leading newspapers. The flight concluded peacefully at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, where the hijackers surrendered to French authorities.

However, the operation had a tragic and unforeseen consequence. As part of their elaborate plan to compel public attention, the hijackers had also placed a real explosive device in a coin locker at the TWA baggage claim area at LaGuardia Airport in New York, along with a note detailing the bomb's location and intended purpose. This bomb was meant as a demonstration of their resolve. While attempting to disarm this device on September 11, 1976, New York Police Department bomb squad officer Frank C. Murray was tragically killed. Three other officers were also injured in the explosion, transforming the political statement into a criminal act with devastating human cost.

Conviction, Imprisonment, and Release

Following their surrender, Zvonko Bušić and his co-conspirators were extradited to the United States to face justice. He was subsequently convicted of air piracy, conspiracy, and extortion, among other charges. Due to the fatality associated with the LaGuardia bomb, his sentencing was particularly severe. Bušić received a life sentence, though he became eligible for parole after ten years. Despite numerous appeals and parole applications, which were consistently denied by U.S. authorities who cited the gravity of the crime and the death of Officer Murray, Bušić ultimately spent 32 years incarcerated within the United States federal prison system.

His prolonged imprisonment made him one of the longest-serving political prisoners in U.S. history related to a hijacking. In July 2008, after more than three decades, Zvonko Bušić was finally granted parole. Upon his release, he was immediately deported to Croatia, where he received a complex reception. While some viewed him as a national hero who suffered for the Croatian cause, others condemned his actions and the resulting loss of life.

Life After Prison and Legacy

Upon his return to Croatia, Zvonko Bušić largely withdrew from public life, though he occasionally participated in events related to Croatian nationalism and veteran affairs. His story remained a subject of intense debate and division within Croatian society, reflecting the divergent perspectives on the nation's struggle for independence. On September 1, 2013, Zvonko Bušić died by suicide at his home near Imotski, Croatia, bringing a poignant end to a life marked by extreme acts, political conviction, and profound personal sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zvonko Bušić

Who was Zvonko Bušić?
Zvonko Bušić was a Croatian emigrant and political activist known for masterminding the 1976 hijacking of TWA Flight 355 to bring attention to the Croatian national cause and opposition to Yugoslavia.
What was the primary motive behind the TWA Flight 355 hijacking?
The hijacking was primarily politically motivated. Bušić and his group aimed to publicize their demands for Croatian independence and highlight perceived injustices under the Yugoslav communist regime, primarily through the distribution of political leaflets and manifestos.
What tragic event occurred as a result of the hijacking?
While the plane landed safely, a real bomb left by the hijackers at LaGuardia Airport's baggage claim area, intended as a warning, exploded. This tragic incident resulted in the death of NYPD bomb squad officer Frank C. Murray and injured three other officers who were attempting to disarm the device.
How long was Zvonko Bušić imprisoned in the United States?
Zvonko Bušić served 32 years in U.S. federal prisons. Despite being eligible for parole after 10 years, his applications were repeatedly denied due to the fatal outcome of the LaGuardia Airport bomb. He was finally released on parole and deported in July 2008.