An American Airlines flight travelling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore on Thursday night after a passenger allegedly became violent, shouted racial and anti-gay slurs and had to be restrained with duct tape and zip ties.
The incident occurred aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which departed Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for Newark Liberty International Airport before being diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Video and photographs obtained by TMZ showed passengers and crew members restraining the man in his seat. The images showed duct tape wrapped around parts of his body, including his hands and head. According to eyewitness accounts cited by TMZ, the disturbance began while the aircraft was travelling towards Newark when the man, who witnesses believed appeared intoxicated, began shouting at a male passenger seated beside him.
Witnesses said the man was shouting about Jesus and going to hell before a Black flight attendant approached in an attempt to calm the situation. The passenger then allegedly directed a racial slur at the flight attendant and made anti-gay remarks.
Witnesses said the situation escalated further when the man allegedly struck the passenger sitting next to him and hit the passenger’s computer. A female passenger reportedly attempted to intervene but was allegedly pushed by the man, prompting three other male passengers to step in.
According to the eyewitness accounts, flight attendants provided the three passengers with duct tape and zip ties, which were used to restrain the man in his seat. The passengers reportedly continued holding him down as he attempted to free himself.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The plane reportedly landed about 15 minutes after the decision to divert was made. Law enforcement officers met the aircraft at the gate and took the passenger into custody. American Airlines confirmed the diversion and said it does not tolerate violence aboard its flights.
“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 safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
An FBI spokesperson said Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the passenger on state charges. The FBI is also gathering information about the incident and consulting with the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges will be filed.