Man duct taped to plane seat after racist, homophobic tirade
A man was restrained on an American Airlines flight (Getty Images, stock)
Passengers on an American Airlines flight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark resorted to duct tape and zip ties to restrain a man after he allegedly became violent, shouted about Jesus and hell, and hurled racist and anti-gay slurs at a flight attendant.
The man allegedly involved was later identified as Arthur “Layne” Lundeen, a 67-year-old Tucson real estate agent. According to KVOA, Long Realty fired Lundeen.
Video, shared by TMZ on 4 September, shows several passengers physically restraining Lundeen in his first-class seat as others look on. The incident reportedly began when the man, who appeared to be intoxicated, started yelling and became increasingly disruptive.
The situation escalated further when Lundeen allegedly directed racial and homophobic slurs at a Black flight attendant who was attempting to calm him down.
According to reports, he shoved or struck the passenger sitting next to him and then hit the passenger’s computer. When a woman tried to intervene, he reportedly pushed her as well, prompting three male passengers to step in and hold him down.
Flight attendants then provided passengers with zip ties and duct tape to help restrain him.
Photos from the incident show Lundeen taped across his forehead, chin, chest and arms, with his wrists also bound. One passenger could be seen partially sitting on him to help keep him restrained until the plane could land.
The flight was ultimately diverted to Baltimore, where transportation police arrested Lundeen. An FBI spokesperson told TMZ the agency is investigating the incident to determine whether federal charges will be brought. Lundeen was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct by the state. Lundeen has since been released while the case moves forward. The allegations have not been proven in court.
American Airlines said in a 4 September statement to TMZ: “On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer. Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
