American Airlines passenger from hell who had to be DUCT-TAPED to seat after hurling racist and homophobic slurs is identified as Arizona realtor
An American Airlines passenger who had to be duct-taped to his seat mid-flight after allegedly launching into a racist and homophobic tirade has been identified as Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old Tucson realtor. The incident forced Flight 618, travelling from Dallas to Newark, to divert to Baltimore, where Lundeen was removed by authorities before the aircraft continued to its destination. His employer, Long Realty, where he reportedly served as vice president, has since terminated his affiliation, calling his alleged conduct incompatible with the firm's standards.
Passengers said Lundeen, who appeared to be drunk, began yelling at a fellow passenger before allegedly directing racist abuse at a black flight attendant and homophobic remarks at others, as well as pushing a woman who tried to intervene and biting two male passengers. Fellow travellers, including a retired police officer, restrained him using duct tape supplied by crew, binding his wrists, head and body to his seat until the plane landed. Lundeen has been taken into custody on state charges, with federal charges also possible, while American Airlines said it does not tolerate violence and thanked staff and passengers for their response.
In short
- Arizona realtor duct-taped to seat after alleged racist, homophobic rant
- Flight diverted to Baltimore; passengers restrained him themselves
- Long Realty fired him; he faces state and possibly federal charges
Explained simply
American Airlines is a US airline, and its flights carry passengers between cities across the country. Flight crews are responsible for passengers’ safety in the air, and a serious disruption can lead a plane to divert to another airport so authorities can respond.
Layne Arthur Lundeen is a Tucson, Arizona, real-estate agent whose reported role at Long Realty connected the incident to his employer. The airline, local authorities and federal authorities may each have a role after alleged violence on a flight; state and federal charges are handled by different courts and agencies.
The case matters because disruptive or violent behaviour on an aircraft can affect everyone aboard and require an unscheduled landing. It also raises questions about how crews and passengers respond to an immediate safety risk, and about the legal consequences that may follow.