Passenger Duct-Taped to Seat After Mid-Flight Outburst Identified as Arizona Realtor

Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old realtor from Tucson, Arizona, has been identified as the American Airlines passenger who was duct-taped to his seat after a mid-flight outburst.

The incident occurred Thursday night on American Airlines flight 618, traveling from Dallas to Newark, which was subsequently diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Lundeen's LinkedIn profile, which listed him as a vice president at Long Realty in Tucson, was reportedly scrubbed following the event. Witnesses, including passengers Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, and Richard Olenick, reported that Lundeen became belligerent approximately two hours into the flight.

He allegedly used vulgar language, hurled racial and anti-gay slurs at a Black flight attendant, and made derogatory remarks to other passengers. Lundeen reportedly struck his seat-mate's laptop and grabbed the man's throat. Mejia and Olenick, with assistance from flight attendants, intervened to restrain Lundeen using duct tape and zip ties. Images from the flight show Lundeen secured to his seat with tape around his wrists, torso, and head, with blood visible on his arms.

Upon landing in Baltimore, Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen. He faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct in Maryland. Lundeen waived his right to a lawyer at an initial court appearance on September 4 and was released on his own recognisance. The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed.

American Airlines stated that the safety and security of its customers and team members is its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.