An American Airlines flight was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger allegedly engaged in a midair outburst, leading to him being restrained with duct tape and zip ties. The flight, traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, New Jersey, made an unscheduled stop in Baltimore late Thursday night.
Witnesses reported that the unidentified passenger began screaming racial and homophobic slurs approximately two hours into the flight. The disruption reportedly escalated when the man began yelling at a passenger seated next to him and made anti-gay remarks to a flight attendant. The situation intensified as the man allegedly became violent, striking the passenger next to him and pushing a female passenger who attempted to intervene.
Three male passengers, including a retired law enforcement officer, stepped in to de-escalate the situation. According to witness accounts, flight attendants provided duct tape and zip ties, which the passengers used to secure the disruptive individual to his seat. Video footage captured the man being restrained as he appeared to resist.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion, stating in a release that flight 618 diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport due to a disruptive customer. Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with the passenger before the flight continued to its destination. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety and security, stating that violence is not tolerated.
The FBI is currently investigating the incident. The Maryland Transportation Police arrested the passenger on state charges. A spokesperson for the FBI indicated that interviews are underway to gather facts, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland will be consulted to determine if federal charges will be filed.