Which of the following actions qualifies as a Level 3 Threat?

Using a weapon qualifies as a Level 3 Threat because it represents an immediate risk of serious harm or death to individuals on the aircraft. Level 3 Threats are characterized by the potential for severe physical injury or loss of life, therefore the presence of a weapon emphasizes a clear intent to cause violence and necessitates urgent intervention by the flight crew and any necessary law enforcement personnel. The use of a weapon not only escalates the situation but also likely compromises the safety of all passengers and crew members on board.

In contrast, the other actions listed, while dangerous, do not necessarily align with the same level of immediate lethal threat as using a weapon. Grabbing another person may be confrontational, throwing items can create chaos but is less likely to cause severe injury than a weapon, and attempting to open emergency exits represents a serious breach of safety protocols but does not inherently involve a direct attack on individuals. Ultimately, the use of a weapon is unequivocally recognized as a significant escalation in a threat assessment.