An American Airlines flight transporting four members of Congress to Washington DC was dramatically diverted after an unruly passenger sparked chaos onboard, forcing an emergency landing in Kansas City.
Mid-Air Disruption Forces Emergency Landing
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a flight originating from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport bound for the American capital. Footage from fellow passengers captured the moment the unidentified woman was escorted from the aircraft, during which she apologised to other travellers while making the startling declaration that "we live in a fascist state".
Among those onboard were four Arizona congressmen - Democrat Greg Stanton and Republicans Eli Crane, Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar. Stanton confirmed the disruption via social media platform X, stating: "We're making emergency stop in Kansas City to remove disruptive passenger. None of my colleagues is the disruptor."
Political Context of the Washington Journey
The timing proved particularly significant as all four lawmakers were racing to Capitol Hill for a crucial vote on ending what had become the longest federal government shutdown in US history. Stanton revealed he intended to vote against the funding deal, which he claimed "fails to lower health care costs", while his three Republican colleagues planned to support the legislation.
Despite the unexpected diversion and approximately hour-long delay, all congressmen reached Washington in time for the evening vote. The House ultimately passed the Senate's funding bill by 222 votes to 209, sending the legislation to President Trump's desk for signature.
Aftermath and Political Fallout
American Airlines confirmed in an official statement that the aircraft had been diverted "due to a disruptive customer". Flight data indicated the plane eventually touched down in Washington DC around 9pm on Wednesday evening.
The funding bill's provisions included restarting food assistance programmes for over 40 million Americans, reinstating paychecks for federal employees including air traffic controllers, and increased security funding for officials and members of Congress.
Following the bill's passage, President Trump signed it into law while surrounded by top Republicans and business leaders. He used the opportunity to rail against Democrats, despite polling indicating many voters blamed Republicans for the record-breaking shutdown. "I just want to tell the American people, you should not forget this," Trump declared, urging voters to remember the shutdown during upcoming midterm elections.
Stanton concluded his social media commentary with a political jab, suggesting the Freedom Caucus - the conservative House faction including his Republican travel companions - was "losing its mojo".
