American Airlines flight diverted after passenger restrained with duct tape and zip ties
A Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark flight was diverted to Baltimore when crew and other passengers restrained a disruptive traveler with duct tape and zip ties, and the individual was later taken into custody.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark became violent about two hours into the trip, prompting crew members and fellow travelers to restrain him with duct tape and zip ties. The incident forced the aircraft to land at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where law-enforcement officers took the man into custody.
According to witnesses, the man shouted racial and homophobic slurs, assaulted a nearby passenger, and attempted to open an emergency exit. Three male passengers assisted crew members by securing the individual to his seat while he struggled to break free.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion, stating that safety and security are top priorities and that the airline thanked its staff and passengers for their professionalism. The Maryland Transportation Police arrested the passenger on state charges, and the FBI began an investigation to determine whether federal charges will be pursued.