Washington, D.C. – The families of 346 victims killed in two deadly Boeing 737 Max crashes are expressing fury after the Department of Justice (DOJ) struck a backroom deal allowing the aerospace giant to dodge criminal prosecution—again.
Instead of facing a full public trial for defrauding the FAA and hiding the dangers of its now-infamous MCAS flight system, Boeing will walk away with a fine and no felony conviction—sparking nationwide outrage and concerns over corporate accountability in America.
DOJ Lets Boeing Off the Hook—for $1.1 Billion
The new deal, still awaiting approval by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, requires Boeing to pay over $1.1 billion—including $445 million in new compensation for victims’ families.
Critics say it’s nothing more than a non-prosecution agreement (NPA)—a legal maneuver that shields the company from a courtroom reckoning.
Grieving Families: “Boeing Is Still a Criminal Corporation”
Nadia Milleron, whose 24-year-old daughter Samya Rose Stumo was killed in the 2019 crash in Ethiopia, didn’t mince words.
“Boeing remains a criminal corporation and Bondi is enabling them. The next crash will be her fault.”
Milleron slammed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who worked with the DOJ on the deal, accusing her of putting politics above public safety.
What Is MCAS? The Hidden Flight System Behind the Crashes
At the heart of the case is MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System)—an automated flight control system Boeing allegedly failed to disclose to regulators and pilots.
MCAS pushed the aircraft nose down based on faulty sensor data, leading to two horrifying crashes: Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019.
Pattern of Deception? Past Incidents Raise New Alarms
Boeing already struck a $2.5 billion deal in 2021 to avoid prosecution. That settlement included a $243.6 million criminal fine—yet families argue the company continued cutting corners even after the deal.
Recent Boeing incidents include:
- Alaska Airlines door blowout mid-flight
- Multiple near-misses involving 737 Max planes
- Ongoing FAA safety investigations
Aerospace engineer Javier de Luis, who lost his sister in the 2019 crash, said:
“Boeing has repeatedly shown itself incapable of changing its ways.”
Legal Experts Sound the Alarm
Top legal minds, including attorney Paul Cassell, are urging the court to reject the DOJ’s agreement. Cassell represents multiple families and previously filed formal objections under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.
“This kind of deal is obviously wrong. It’s the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history, and they’re walking away with a checkbook apology.”
Families argue the DOJ is ignoring their legal rights and silencing their voices to protect a politically connected corporation.
Trial or Cover-Up? Judge to Decide by June 23
Attorneys for the families, including Robert Clifford, plan to fight the deal in court. If Judge O’Connor accepts the DOJ agreement, the upcoming criminal trial scheduled for June 23 will be canceled—leaving no opportunity for the American public to hear the full truth.
Conclusion: Americans Deserve Accountability, Not Backroom Deals
Many conservatives and everyday Americans see this as a prime example of Washington elites protecting corporate interests at the expense of American lives. The DOJ’s decision sends a dangerous message: Big corporations can buy their way out of justice.
As the families push for real consequences and public accountability, the spotlight is now on Judge O’Connor to stand up for victims—and for the rule of law.