A passenger was secured to his seat with duct tape after an alleged violent outburst on an American Airlines flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey.
The traveller appeared intoxicated and began shouting at the passenger seated beside him. According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when the man allegedly assaulted another passenger, smashed his laptop, and directed racial and homophobic slurs at those nearby.
Passengers intervene after attack
The man reportedly pushed a female passenger and tried to bite two others, prompting intervention from fellow travellers.
Juan Mejia, a retired police officer on board, described the sudden escalation: "Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos."
Mejia added: "I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him."
Flight diverted and police called
Mejia and another passenger restrained the aggressive traveller. Flight attendants provided duct tape, which was used to secure his wrists, head, and torso to his seat.
The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, landing about 15 minutes later. Local authorities arrested the passenger upon arrival, and the FBI is reportedly weighing federal charges, according to TMZ.
American Airlines confirmed the flight was rerouted due to a "disruptive customer." After the passenger was removed, the plane continued to Newark.
A spokesperson for the airline said: "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence." They added: "We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding."
