A passenger on an American Airlines flight was restrained with duct tape after he allegedly became violent and hurled racial and anti-gay slurs at people on board.
The flight was travelling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday night when the passenger began shouting at a man sitting nearby. The aircraft later diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
According to eyewitnesses, the passenger appeared intoxicated and began yelling about Jesus and hell, prompting a Black flight attendant to approach him and try to calm him down.
The passenger allegedly responded by using a racial slur against the flight attendant and making anti-gay remarks. His behaviour then escalated as he allegedly struck the passenger sitting next to him and hit the man’s computer.
A female passenger intervened but the man allegedly pushed her, after which three other male passengers stepped in to help.
Flight attendants reportedly handed duct tape and zip ties to the three men, who used them to secure the passenger to his seat. Photos from the incident showed the man restrained with duct tape around his hands and head while passengers and crew held him in place as he attempted to break free.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and landed around 15 minutes later.
Law enforcement officers met the flight at the gate and took the passenger into custody.
The FBI said that Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the man on state charges. The agency added that it was gathering information and consulting the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges would follow.
