Passengers on an American Airlines flight helped restrain a man with duct tape and zip ties after he allegedly became violent and hurled racist and anti-gay slurs at passengers and cabin crew.
Arthur “Layne” Lundeen, 67, was travelling in first class aboard American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas–Fort Worth to Newark on 3 September when the disturbance began.
The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen after removing him from the plane.
He has been charged in Maryland with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
Lundeen was subsequently released on his own recognisance and is due to return to court on 19 October.
The charges and reported in-flight conduct remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Passenger Allegedly Targeted Flight Attendant With Slurs
Witnesses said Lundeen began shouting during the flight before becoming increasingly aggressive towards passengers and members of the cabin crew.
Reports based on passenger accounts and video from the aircraft allege he used racist and anti-gay slurs while directing abuse towards a Black flight attendant attempting to manage the situation.
Lundeen was also accused of physically attacking the passenger seated beside him and interfering with or striking the man’s computer.
A female passenger who attempted to intervene was reportedly pushed.
Juan Mejia, a retired law-enforcement officer travelling on the flight, said he and fellow passenger Richard Olenick stepped in after seeing the confrontation become physical.
Mejia alleged Lundeen bit his hand and forearm while passengers attempted to bring him under control.
Duct Tape Used To Secure Passenger
Mejia said a flight attendant initially supplied zip ties to restrain Lundeen’s hands.
When he allegedly continued struggling and pulling free, duct tape was used to secure him to his first-class seat.
Passengers reportedly restrained his hands, legs and torso before securing his head against the seat to prevent him from attempting to bite or headbutt those nearby.
Photographs and video from the aircraft show Lundeen restrained across his arms, torso and head while passengers helped keep him in place.
American Airlines later confirmed that restraint cuffs and tape are carried aboard its aircraft for rare situations where they are necessary to protect passengers and crew.
The airline said the materials were used while the aircraft diverted to Baltimore.
Flight Diverted To Baltimore
Flight 618 landed at Baltimore/Washington International Airport at approximately 10.15pm.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police and FBI personnel met the aircraft upon arrival.
Officers removed Lundeen before paramedics examined an open wound on his arm that police said they noticed while taking him into custody.
American Airlines confirmed the aircraft then continued to its original destination of Newark.
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence,” the airline said.
It also thanked crew members for their professionalism and passengers for their understanding.
FBI Considering Possible Federal Charges
The second-degree assault and disorderly-conduct charges currently facing Lundeen are being handled at the state level in Maryland.
The FBI is separately investigating the reported conduct that occurred while the aircraft was in flight.
Federal investigators are conducting interviews and consulting the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether additional federal charges should be filed.
The Federal Aviation Administration is also reviewing the incident.
No federal or hate-crime charges had been announced at the time of publication.
The reported use of racist and anti-gay language forms part of the surrounding allegations, but the use of a slur does not automatically result in a hate-crime charge.
Real Estate Company Ends Affiliation
Lundeen was identified as a Tucson-area real estate agent who had been affiliated with Long Realty.
Following reports of the incident and the filing of charges, the company confirmed it had promptly ended its relationship with him.
Long Realty said Lundeen was no longer associated with or authorised to represent the business in any capacity.
The company described the reported conduct as incompatible with the professionalism, integrity, compassion and respect it expects from people affiliated with the organisation.
It also expressed concern for the passengers, crew members and others affected by the incident.
Allegations Remain Before The Court
Lundeen was released on his own recognisance following a bail review on 4 September.
His next scheduled court appearance is set for 19 October in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Releasing someone on their own recognisance means they can remain out of custody while the case proceeds without paying monetary bail, subject to any conditions imposed by the court.
It does not represent a finding on the allegations.
Lundeen has not been convicted of either charge and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Slurs Add A Disturbing Dimension
For LGBTQ+ travellers and airline staff, the reported use of anti-gay abuse adds another disturbing element to an already serious alleged incident.
Cabin crew work in an enclosed environment where threatening or violent behaviour can place everyone aboard an aircraft at risk.
Passengers targeted with racist or homophobic language may also experience harm extending beyond the immediate physical confrontation.
The intervention of other travellers reportedly helped prevent the situation from escalating further before the aircraft could land.
Whatever the final outcome of the criminal case, passengers and crew should be able to travel and work without being subjected to violence, racism or homophobic abuse.
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