RismadarVoice Reporters
September 4, 2026
An American Airlines flight travelling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore late Thursday night after a passenger allegedly became disruptive and violent onboard, forcing crew members and fellow travellers to restrain him.
The Fort Worth-based airline confirmed that the flight made an unscheduled stop in Baltimore following the incident, after which law enforcement officers removed the passenger from the aircraft before the journey continued to Newark.
Video footage from the incident showed members of the flight crew and passengers attempting to control the man using duct tape. Images from inside the aircraft also showed the passenger restrained in a first-class seat with tape placed around his wrists, torso and head.
According to witnesses cited by TMZ, the passenger appeared to be intoxicated and began shouting at another passenger seated nearby. A flight attendant reportedly intervened to calm the situation, but witnesses said the man responded with offensive remarks, including racial and homophobic comments, before becoming physically aggressive.
The airline said the safety of passengers and crew members remained its highest priority and that it does not tolerate violent behaviour onboard its flights.
“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,” American Airlines said in a statement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that the passenger was taken into custody on state charges while authorities continue investigations into the incident.
The FBI said its agents were conducting interviews and gathering information before consulting with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges would be filed.
Authorities have not released the identity of the passenger involved.
