Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara assisted in restraining an unruly passenger aboard a United Airlines flight after the individual allegedly became belligerent, escalating a situation that flight attendants had been attempting to de-escalate for nearly 45 minutes.
O'Hara, traveling with his wife on United Flight 1364 from Newark to Fort Lauderdale, observed flight crew members engaging with the passenger for an extended period. According to O'Hara, the passenger became increasingly agitated after being denied further alcohol service. The man reportedly began shouting profanities and making threats before attempting to lunge at flight attendants.
At that point, O'Hara, along with two off-duty Bergen County, New Jersey, sheriff's deputies who were also on board, intervened. The three men worked together to physically restrain the passenger using plastic flex cuffs and secured him in his seat until the plane could land.
"It was infuriating to hear a man speak to these women who were just incredibly professional and trying to keep everybody safe that way for so long," O'Hara told Fox News Digital. "And finally, he just kind of got up and lunged towards them."
United Airlines confirmed the incident, stating, "Local law enforcement met United Flight 1364 upon its arrival in Fort Lauderdale to address an unruly passenger. We thank our crew and customers for assisting with the situation and helping ensure the safety of everyone onboard."
The flight was a Boeing 737-900 carrying 174 passengers and six crew members. While cellphone video of the confrontation circulated on social media, O'Hara noted it did not capture the full extent of the flight crew's efforts to de-escalate the situation.
O'Hara, who has 25 years of law enforcement experience, including leadership roles in Newark, New Jersey, and as Minneapolis police chief, reflected on the dangers of such outbursts in the confined space of an aircraft. He suggested that airlines should ensure restraints are readily available and that crew members receive training on their safe use.
Authorities had not publicly identified the passenger or announced charges as of Thursday afternoon. The Broward Sheriff's Office and the Federal Aviation Administration were contacted for additional information.