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.