# American Airlines passenger disturbance and diversion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/american-airlines-passenger-disturbance-and-diversion > Updated: 2026-09-07T03:34:00.000Z. Sources: 184. Developments: 3. An American Airlines Boeing 737 flight traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was forced to make an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington International Airport following a violent disturbance in the first-class cabin. On September 3, 2026, a 67-year-old passenger, identified as Arthur Layne Lundeen of Tucson, Arizona, reportedly became physically aggressive and verbally abusive. Witnesses stated the individual, who appeared intoxicated, directed racist and homophobic insults at crew members and passengers. The confrontation reportedly began following a discussion regarding religious topics and the cover of a book by Lundeen’s seatmate, author Jonathan Cahn. The situation escalated when Lundeen allegedly attacked a passenger by the neck, damaged a laptop, and bit a person who attempted to intervene. To contain the situation, passengers including retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia and New Jersey gun shop owner Richard O’Lenick intervened. Crew members provided plastic zip ties and duct tape, which were used to secure Lundeen to his seat. He remained secured for the remainder of the flight until landing. Following the diversion, police took Lundeen into custody. He faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct in Maryland and is scheduled to appear in court on October 19. The FBI is also investigating the incident to determine if federal charges are warranted. Following the event, Lundeen’s employer, Long Realty in Tucson, announced his immediate termination from his position as vice president. ## Claims - Flight crew members provided duct tape and restraints to secure the passenger to his seat. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The passenger was booked on state charges following his arrest by Maryland Transportation Authority Police. (single source) - The passenger has been identified as Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old realtor from Tucson, Arizona. (single source) - Long Realty terminated its affiliation with Lundeen following the incident. (single source) - Author Jonathan Cahn identified himself as the passenger seated beside Lundeen who was attacked during the flight. (single source) - Lundeen faces charges of disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: American Airlines flight diverted after passenger attacked crew and travelers An American Airlines flight was diverted to Baltimore after a 67-year-old passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties following a violent outburst and verbal abuse toward crew and passengers. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-airlines-flight-diverted-after-passenger-attack ### 2026-09-07: Arthur Lundeen arrested after violent outburst on American Airlines flight Arthur Layne Lundeen was arrested and fired from his job after a violent, slur-filled outburst on an American Airlines flight, forcing an emergency diversion to Baltimore where he was restrained with duct tape. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arthur-lundeen-fired-following-american-airlines-flight-outburst ### 2026-09-05: American Airlines passenger restrained with duct tape during flight An American Airlines passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties by fellow travelers after an aggressive outburst on a flight from Dallas to Newark, forcing an emergency landing in Baltimore. 145 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-airlines-passenger-arrested-after-being-restrained-with-duct-tape --- Cite as: American Airlines passenger disturbance and diversion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/american-airlines-passenger-disturbance-and-diversion