Man arrested after American Airlines flight diverted to Baltimore over alleged racial slurs

A passenger on American Airlines Flight 618 was restrained after allegedly shouting racial and anti-gay slurs at a flight attendant who intervened in a dispute with another traveler. The aircraft, en route from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, where Maryland Transportation Authority Police and FBI agents arrested the 67-year-old man, identified as Layne Lundeen of Tucson, Arizona. Lundeen faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct and was released on his own recognizance pending a court appearance on October 19. The flight continued to its scheduled destination after the incident. > "In rare instances, restraints may be used when necessary to maintain the safety and security of everyone on board," American Airlines said in a statement, adding that restraint devices are part of standard flight-attendant kits. > "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence," the airline added, thanking crew members for their professionalism.