Man Arrested for Racist Rant on Delta Flight at JFK
Passenger escorted off plane after allegedly intoxicated, expletive-filled outburst before departure.
A 60-year-old Brooklyn man, identified by law enforcement sources as Jerome Anixter, was arrested Thursday at John F. Kennedy International Airport after allegedly engaging in a racist and expletive-filled rant on a Delta flight.
Port Authority police were called to Delta flight 2342, bound for Atlanta, as it prepared for departure with 160 passengers and six crew members aboard. Sources indicated that Anixter was reportedly causing a disturbance and appeared to be intoxicated.
Video footage captured the man being escorted off the aircraft by officers. During his removal, he was seen making finger gun gestures and unleashing a tirade, including racist slurs and profanity.
"Can you believe these motherf*****s? Can you believe this?" the man was heard saying, later adding, "Put it on Instagram." He then repeatedly used a racial slur, drawing boos from other passengers. He also appeared to attempt to push an officer's hand away.
Following his removal from the plane, Anixter was arrested and charged with assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration, according to law enforcement sources.
A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines stated that the company has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior and expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their assistance. "We apologize to the customers on Delta flight DL2342 for this experience and any delay in their travels," the spokesperson added. The flight eventually departed JFK approximately 45 minutes behind its scheduled time.
It remains unclear if Anixter is being held in custody or if the district attorney's office will proceed with the charges. Representatives for the Daily Mail contacted Anixter and the Queens District Attorney's office for comment.
This incident occurred just over a week after actress Selma Blair was arrested at JFK for allegedly assaulting flight crew members on a separate Delta flight. Blair reportedly attempted to open an aircraft door mid-flight before allegedly punching and biting crew members. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with her representatives stating she did not intend to harm anyone.