An American Airlines flight bound for Newark was forced to divert Thursday night after a passenger allegedly launched into a racist and anti-gay tirade before becoming violent and ultimately being duct-taped to his seat.
The incident unfolded aboard a flight traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, according to TMZ, which obtained video and photographs from inside the aircraft.
Witnesses told the outlet that the disturbance began when the unidentified male passenger, who appeared intoxicated, started shouting at another man seated near him.
The passenger was allegedly yelling about Jesus and going to hell when a Black flight attendant approached and attempted to calm him down.
Instead, witnesses said the confrontation escalated.
The passenger allegedly directed a racial slur at the flight attendant and also made anti-gay remarks, according to TMZ.
His behavior then reportedly became physical. Sources told the outlet that he struck the passenger sitting beside him and hit the man’s computer during the confrontation.
A female passenger attempted to intervene but was allegedly pushed by the disruptive traveler.
That prompted three male passengers to step in and assist the flight crew as the situation continued to deteriorate.
Flight attendants provided the passengers with duct tape and zip ties, which were then used to restrain the man to his seat, according to witnesses.
Photographs from the cabin showed the passenger wrapped extensively in duct tape around his upper body and head while secured in the seat. His hands were also restrained.
Video obtained by TMZ showed several people holding the man down while he apparently attempted to break free from the restraints.
The disturbance prompted the flight crew to divert the aircraft to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport instead of continuing to Newark.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the diversion, according to TMZ. The aircraft landed in Baltimore approximately 15 minutes after the decision to change course was made.
Law enforcement officers were waiting when the plane reached the gate and took the passenger into custody.
An FBI spokesperson told TMZ that Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the man on state charges. His identity and the specific state charges he faces were not immediately disclosed in the report.
Federal authorities are also examining the episode.
The FBI said it was gathering information about what happened aboard the aircraft and consulting with the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges should also be pursued.
Disruptive behavior aboard commercial aircraft can draw federal scrutiny because conduct that interferes with flight crew members may fall under federal aviation laws in addition to any state-level assault or disorderly conduct charges.
Thursday’s confrontation follows several other highly publicized incidents in which passengers have forced commercial flights to divert. In March, a Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale was diverted after a possible security threat was reported aboard the aircraft.
American Airlines has also dealt with viral passenger disturbances in the past. A 2023 incident involving passenger Tiffany Gomas became a national story after an outburst aboard an American flight departing Dallas forced passengers off the aircraft for a security check.
Duct tape has previously been used as an emergency restraint aboard aircraft when passengers become violent or cannot otherwise be safely controlled. In a separate 2024 American Airlines case, passengers restrained a man with duct tape after authorities said he attempted to open an aircraft door while the plane was in flight.
In Thursday night’s incident, however, the aircraft was able to make a rapid diversion to Baltimore after the other passengers and flight attendants restrained the man.
No serious injuries were immediately reported in the available accounts.
Authorities have not yet announced whether prosecutors will bring federal charges in addition to the state charges already filed.
