An American Airlines flight diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Thursday because of a rowdy passenger, who now faces charges in Maryland.
Flight 618 left from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. The carrier told TMZ that the flight “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.”
Photos obtained by TMZ show the man duct-taped to a seat. Eyewitnesses said the man was drunk, started yelling at a passenger next to him about Jesus, used racial and homophobic slurs against a Black flight attendant, and then proceeded to get violent before being restrained.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office confirmed to WJLA-TV Friday that the Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested the passenger and that he is facing state charges, but did not identify him or specify which charges he faces.
The FBI also said that they are consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether the man will face federal charges, according to WJLA-TV.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.