American Airlines Passenger Duct-Taped To Seat After Racist, Homophobic Midair Outburst Forces Diversion

An American Airlines passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties after an alleged racist and homophobic outburst aboard Flight 618 forced the aircraft to divert from Dallas-Fort Worth to Baltimore on Thursday, September 3.

The passenger, identified as 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen of Arizona, was arrested after the plane landed and later charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

The flight was bound for Newark, New Jersey, when the disturbance broke out roughly two hours into the journey. According to witness accounts, Lundeen began shouting at the male passenger sitting beside him before the confrontation escalated and other passengers intervened.

Flight Diverted After Passenger Becomes Aggressive

Witnesses described a sudden escalation from shouting to physical confrontation. Juan Mejia, a retired law enforcement officer who was aboard the flight, told CBS Texas that he turned around after hearing the commotion and saw the passenger with his hands around the neck of the man seated beside him.

TMZ reported that Lundeen was also allegedly shouting about Jesus and going to hell. The outlet said he directed a racial slur at a Black flight attendant and made anti-gay remarks during the incident.

American Airlines confirmed that Flight 618 diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport because of a disruptive customer.

The airline said law enforcement met the aircraft after landing and assisted with removing the passenger before the flight continued to Newark.

The confrontation had already drawn several passengers into the situation. According to TMZ, a woman attempted to intervene but was pushed, prompting three male passengers to step in.

They eventually restrained Lundeen in his seat using duct tape and zip ties. Footage and photographs from the incident show the passenger secured to the seat, with duct tape also wrapped around his head and upper body.

Passenger Faces Assault Charge

The restraint was an extraordinary response to an incident that witnesses said had become physical, but the official case against Lundeen is now clearer than it was when the initial reports emerged.

Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen after the aircraft landed at BWI. He was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, according to subsequent reporting.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt. The more specific claims about what Lundeen said during the flight likewise remain allegations attributed to witnesses rather than findings by a court.

The FBI is also examining the incident. A spokesperson said the agency was conducting interviews to gather facts and would consult with the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland over whether federal charges should be filed.

That means the legal process surrounding the flight disturbance is not necessarily finished. Lundeen currently faces state charges, while any potential federal case remains under consideration.

American Airlines said the safety and security of its customers and team members was its top priority and that it did not tolerate violence. The airline also thanked its crew for their professionalism and passengers for their understanding.

For those aboard the aircraft, however, the disruption meant an unplanned landing in Baltimore before the journey could continue. The airline confirmed that Flight 618 eventually resumed its trip to Newark after the passenger was removed.

The FBI has not said whether federal charges will ultimately be brought, leaving the next stage of the case dependent on the ongoing review by investigators and prosecutors.