A passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was restrained with duct tape and zip ties after allegedly becoming violent and shouting racist and anti-gay slurs during the flight.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 3, aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was forced to divert to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland following the disturbance.
According to eyewitness accounts, the trouble began about two hours into the flight when the passenger started shouting at the man seated next to him. Witnesses said he was talking about Jesus and going to hell before 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 situation reportedly escalated when he struck the passenger sitting beside him and hit the passenger’s computer.
A female passenger who attempted to intervene was also allegedly pushed, prompting three male passengers to step in and restrain the man.
Flight attendants reportedly provided duct tape and zip ties, which the passengers used to secure the disruptive passenger to his seat. Video and photographs from the incident showed him restrained across his body, hands and head as he attempted to break free.
One of the passengers involved, retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, described the situation as escalating suddenly from a quiet flight into chaos.
American Airlines confirmed that Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore because of a disruptive passenger.
“On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer,” an airline spokesperson said, adding that law enforcement met the aircraft and took the passenger into custody before the flight continued to Newark.
The FBI said Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the passenger on state charges. The agency is also gathering information and consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges will be filed.
The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the incident.
American Airlines said the safety and security of its passengers and crew remained its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence on its flights.
