A flight bound for Newark was forced to make an unexpected landing Thursday night after a passenger allegedly became violent, hurled racial and anti-gay slurs, and had to be restrained by fellow travelers.
American Airlines Flight 618 had departed Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for Newark Liberty International Airport when the crew diverted the aircraft to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
What happened inside the cabin prompted passengers and crew to intervene.
Passenger allegedly attacks fellow traveler
According to eyewitness accounts reported by TMZ, the disruption began as the plane approached Newark. The passenger, whom witnesses believed appeared intoxicated, allegedly began yelling at the man seated beside him.
Witnesses said the passenger talked about Jesus and going to hell before a Black flight attendant approached him in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
The confrontation allegedly intensified when the passenger directed a racial slur at the flight attendant and made anti-gay comments.
He then allegedly struck the passenger sitting next to him and hit the passenger’s computer.
A woman reportedly tried to intervene but was allegedly pushed by the passenger. Three other male passengers then stepped in.
Passengers help restrain the man
Video and photographs obtained by TMZ reportedly show passengers and crew members holding the man in his seat.
According to eyewitnesses, flight attendants supplied duct tape and zip ties, which were used to restrain him. The passengers reportedly continued holding him down after he attempted to break free.
The images showed tape around portions of the passenger’s body, including his hands and head.
The situation ultimately led the crew to divert the aircraft to Baltimore.
Police take passenger into custody
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. The aircraft reportedly touched down roughly 15 minutes after the diversion decision was made.
Law enforcement officers were waiting at the gate. They took the passenger into custody before the flight continued to Newark.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion and said it has zero tolerance for violence on its aircraft.
The airline said the flight was diverted because of a “disruptive customer” and that police assisted with removing the passenger after landing. The company also praised its crew for handling the situation and thanked other passengers for their cooperation.
FBI reviewing the incident
The passenger was arrested and booked by Maryland Transportation Police on state charges, according to an FBI spokesperson.
Federal authorities are also reviewing what happened. The FBI is gathering information and consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether additional federal charges are appropriate.
For now, the incident remains under investigation.