Passenger restrained with duct tape after alleged racist and anti-LGBTQ+ abuse forces American Airlines diversion

A 67-year-old passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties after allegedly hurling racist and anti-LGBTQ+ slurs and assaulting fellow travellers on an American Airlines flight, prompting an emergency diversion. 

The incident took place on American Airlines Flight 618, which was travelling from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey. The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore after the passenger, identified as Arthur Lundeen, allegedly became violent and disruptive around two hours into the journey. 

According to passengers on board, Lundeen began shouting abuse without warning, reportedly using racist language towards a Black flight attendant and making anti-LGBTQ+ remarks. Witnesses said he also assaulted another passenger, grabbing them by the neck and striking a laptop computer. 

Juan Mejia, one of the passengers who helped restrain Lundeen, told US media the situation escalated rapidly. "Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos," he said, describing how he turned around to see the passenger attacking the person seated next to him. 

Another passenger, Richard Olenick, said Lundeen used a racist slur towards a member of cabin crew, while Mejia described the atmosphere in the first-class cabin as one in which passengers were subjected to "hatred", "discrimination" and "hostility". 

Crew members and several passengers worked together to subdue Lundeen using zip ties and duct tape supplied on board. Videos and photographs shared on social media appeared to show the man secured to his seat while the aircraft made its diversion to Baltimore. 

Witnesses said Lundeen resisted attempts to restrain him, including allegedly biting some of those involved. They also reported that he suffered a self-inflicted cut during the incident. 

The flight landed safely in Baltimore, where law enforcement officers boarded the aircraft and removed the passenger before the journey continued to Newark. 

American Airlines confirmed the diversion was caused by a "disruptive customer" and said safety remained its top priority. "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence," a spokesperson said, thanking crew members for their professionalism and passengers for their cooperation. 

Lundeen has been charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. He was released on bond on 4 September, according to reports.