Layne Lundeen, the passenger restrained with duct tape and cable ties on an American Airlines flight, has broken his silence in court. The 67-year-old faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct following the incident on a flight from Dallas to Newark, New Jersey, on September 3.
The flight made an unplanned landing at Baltimore-Washington International Airport midway through the journey. Prosecutors allege that a distressed Mr Lundeen hurled obscenities, disturbed sleeping passengers, and attacked a police officer when he was removed from the aircraft, according to the Baltimore Banner.
Court Hearing in Annapolis
During the court hearing in Annapolis, Mr Lundeen, from Tucson, Arizona, responded to the charges. "I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says?" Lundeen queried. "I don't have my glasses."
When District Court Commissioner George Haag read the allegations to him, Mr Lundeen replied: "Oh my God. What a mess. I don't remember any of it." He confessed to consuming two screwdriver cocktails onboard and could not recall specifics of the incident.
Incident Details
It is claimed Mr Lundeen began shouting obscenities and antisemitic comments after conversing with Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, who was seated next to him. Following a scuffle, two men seated further forward restrained Mr Lundeen using duct tape and cable ties, Mr Cahn revealed in an interview with the Banner.
Mr Lundeen, a father, was reportedly en route to New Jersey to assist his daughter with moving flats. He has since been let go from his position as a managing partner at Long Realty in Tucson, according to various reports.
Trial Scheduled
Before his initial court hearing concluded on Wednesday (September 16), Mr Haag informed Mr Lundeen, "You are in Annapolis right now. So you're in the state capital."
"How far am I from New York City?" Lundeen queried. "That depends on mode of transportation and traffic," Haag responded, "but at least a few hours." Mr Lundeen is now due to stand trial on 19 October in the District Court of Maryland in Glen Burnie.
