Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara assisted in subduing an unruly passenger on a United Airlines flight on Thursday. The incident occurred aboard United Flight 1364 traveling from Newark to Fort Lauderdale.
O’Hara, traveling with his wife, observed flight attendants attempting to de-escalate a situation with a passenger for approximately 45 minutes. According to O’Hara, the passenger became increasingly belligerent after flight attendants refused to serve him additional alcohol. The man reportedly began shouting profanities and making threats.
O’Hara, along with two off-duty Bergen County, New Jersey, sheriff’s deputies who were also on board, intervened when the passenger attempted to leave his seat and lunged towards the flight attendants. The three men restrained the individual using plastic flex cuffs and secured him back 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 that local law enforcement met the flight upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale to address an unruly passenger. The airline thanked its crew and passengers for their assistance in ensuring safety.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-900, carried 174 passengers and six crew members. O’Hara, who has 25 years of law enforcement experience, including serving as police chief in Newark, New Jersey, and Minneapolis, emphasized the dangers of such outbursts in a confined aircraft space.
He suggested that airlines should ensure restraints are readily available and that some crew members are trained in their use. As of Thursday afternoon, the passenger's identity and any charges had not been publicly disclosed.
O’Hara’s wife, a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, praised his actions on social media, noting his willingness to help when others are in danger. O’Hara expressed hope that citizens would act to prevent violence when others are at risk.