U.S. Department of Justice may drop all criminal charges against Boeing in 737 MAX crashes, sparking outrage from victims’ families

On May 16, 2025, families of the 346 victims killed in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes were informed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that it may drop all criminal charges against Boeing and instead offer a non-prosecution agreement (NPA). Boeing is reportedly backing out of its earlier agreement to plead guilty to defrauding the FAA.

The news provoked strong backlash from victims’ families and their lawyers, who accused the DOJ of prioritising Boeing’s interests over justice. They criticised the potential NPA, which includes a proposed $444.5 million victims’ fund, as a “slap on the wrist” and morally indefensible, particularly given Boeing’s prior admission of guilt.

Attorneys Paul Cassell and Robert Clifford condemned the DOJ’s fear of losing in court, emphasising that families prefer a trial, even if unsuccessful, over what they view as a betrayal of public interest. Several relatives expressed feeling re-victimised by the DOJ’s handling of the case and vowed to fight the proposal before the judge overseeing the case in Texas.

A final decision from the DOJ is pending, and families have requested time to submit formal objections.