Boeing Co.'s tumultuous period continues as its shares plunged more than 25% this year amidst a criminal investigation by the Justice Department into an incident that has rattled the company. The investigation, stemming from an accident involving an Alaska Airlines flight where a fuselage panel blew out on a 737 Max aircraft, has intensified concerns about Boeing's safety standards and regulatory compliance. The stock decline, exacerbated by news of the probe, underscores the severity of the challenges facing Boeing and its efforts to regain trust and stability. The Alaska Airlines incident has cast a shadow over Boeing's reputation, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and public scrutiny.

With Federal prosecutors convening a grand jury for the investigation, the depth of the inquiry into potential criminal liability looms large. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the FAA's rigorous approach in handling Boeing, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability in the aviation industry. The recent string of aviation incidents, including the missing bolts in the Alaska Air accident and other unrelated incidents involving Boeing aircraft, further exacerbates the public's unease. Boeing's cooperation with regulatory authorities and its commitment to safety standards are under intense scrutiny.