American Airlines Flight 377 was en route to Los Angeles after departing from San Jose del Campo, Mexico, when the in-flight incident occurred. Law enforcement was waiting at the gate to arrest “an unruly passenger who physically assaulted a flight attendant,” according to the airline. The FBI is handling the investigation into the alleged attack because it happened during the flight and therefore falls under federal jurisdiction. The agency said the man was arrested on suspicion of interfering with a flight crew – a federal offense.
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Story continues below ad The aircraft was able to land safely and taxi to the gate, where authorities were waiting, an American Airlines statement confirmed. A video of the incident was shared on Twitter by Saad Mohseni, who said his friend Barrie Livingstone, a passenger on the flight, had filmed the violent encounter. Mohseni claimed the passenger became angry when the flight attendant refused to let him use the first class bathroom. 2:12 What Canadians should expect with air travel this fall What Canadians should expect with air travel this fall – August 25, 2022 In the video, the flight attendant is seen standing in the aisle opposite the back of the plane and can be heard asking a passenger: “Are you threatening me? You are threatening me?” Trending Stories
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The attendant turns and starts walking to the front of the plane when the passenger rushes to see the camera running behind him. The passenger is seen mockingly slapping the flight attendant on the back of the head before immediately turning around and walking down the aisle. Story continues below ad A producer for CBS San Diego affiliate KFMB-TV was on the flight and spoke to witnesses who said fellow passengers helped restrain the suspect until the flight reached its destination. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released. American Airlines said it was working closely with law enforcement to investigate the attack and said the passenger in question “will never be allowed to fly with us in the future.” “Acts of violence against our team members are not tolerated by American Airlines,” the statement read.
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American Airlines thanked the crew members for their handling of the incident and added: “Our thoughts are with our injured flight attendant and we are making sure they and their colleagues have the support they need at this time.” In Canada, reports of unruly passengers on flights rose significantly in 2021, according to unions representing flight attendants at major airlines. Many incidents of passenger non-compliance were related to the mask mandate put in place to protect passengers and crew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines reported 330 passengers to Transport Canada for refusing to wear a mask in July and August, double the number of incidents reported in April and May. Story continues below ad 5:40 New air passenger protection rules come into effect to protect Canadian air travelers Previous Video Next Video © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
