Passenger Duct-Taped to Seat After Alleged Racist, Anti-Gay Outburst
A passenger aboard an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was allegedly restrained with duct tape and zip ties after he became violent and shouted racial and anti-gay slurs, forcing the aircraft to divert to Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 3, aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which had departed Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and was travelling to Newark Liberty International Airport when the disturbance reportedly erupted.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by TMZ, the man appeared to be intoxicated and became increasingly disruptive during the flight. He allegedly began shouting at a male passenger seated beside him before the situation escalated.
Witnesses said the passenger was shouting about Jesus and going to hell when a Black flight attendant approached him in an attempt to calm him down.
The passenger allegedly responded by directing a racial slur at the flight attendant and making anti-gay remarks.
The confrontation reportedly became physical when the man allegedly struck the passenger sitting next to him and hit the passenger’s computer. A female passenger who attempted to intervene was also allegedly pushed.
At that point, three other male passengers reportedly stepped in to help restrain the man and prevent the situation from escalating further.
Videos and photographs obtained by TMZ showed passengers and members of the flight crew restraining the man in his seat. The images reportedly showed duct tape wrapped around parts of his body, including his hands and head.
According to the eyewitness accounts, flight attendants supplied the passengers with duct tape and zip ties, which were used to secure the disruptive passenger to his seat. The passengers reportedly continued holding him down as he attempted to break free.
With the situation considered serious enough to warrant a diversion, the flight was redirected to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
The United States Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore. The aircraft reportedly landed about 15 minutes after the decision to divert was made.
Law enforcement officers were waiting for the aircraft when it reached the gate. The officers took the passenger into custody before other passengers were allowed to continue their journey.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion and described the passenger as a “disruptive customer,” stressing that violence aboard its aircraft would not be tolerated.
“On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer. Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination,” an airline spokesperson said.
The airline added that the safety and security of passengers and crew remained its highest priority and commended its employees and passengers for their response to the incident.
An FBI spokesperson also confirmed that the passenger was arrested and booked by Maryland Transportation Police on state charges.
The FBI is continuing to gather information about the incident and is consulting with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges may also be filed.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges airlines and passengers face when disruptive behaviour escalates into violence during flights, where the confined environment can make it particularly difficult for crew members and fellow passengers to manage an emergency.
Global Mirror News gathered that the flight eventually continued to Newark after the disruptive passenger was removed and taken into custody.
