American Airlines confirmed Flight 618 from Dallas–Fort Worth to Newark diverted to Baltimore/Washington International on Sept. 3 because of a “disruptive customer.” The airline said law enforcement met the aircraft and removed a passenger before the flight continued to Newark.
What witnesses described
According to passengers cited in the source report, the confrontation began about two hours after takeoff when a man started shouting at the person seated next to him and invoked religious themes. Witnesses said a flight attendant tried to intervene and the situation escalated, including claims the man directed racist and anti-gay remarks at a Black flight attendant and became physically aggressive toward a nearby passenger.
Retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, who was on board, said the cabin went from calm to chaotic quickly and that he saw the disruptive passenger assault the man seated beside him. As the struggle intensified, witnesses said three male passengers stepped in. Flight attendants provided duct tape and zip ties, which the passengers used to secure the man to his seat as he resisted. Photos and video posted from the cabin showed the man restrained across his body; additional restraints were reportedly used near his head.
What police and the FBI say
The aircraft diverted to BWI, where police boarded and took the passenger into custody, according to the source account. The FBI said Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the passenger on state charges. Federal investigators said they are conducting interviews and will consult with federal prosecutors in Maryland before determining whether additional federal charges are appropriate.
What American Airlines adds
American Airlines said protecting passengers and employees is its priority and that violence will not be tolerated on its aircraft.
What remains unclear
Authorities have not publicly released the passenger’s identity in the provided material, and the specific state charges were not listed in the source report. Allegations about slurs and assaults come from witness accounts included in the source material and have not been detailed in an official charging document provided here.
