07.09.2026 10:01
The person who was restrained to their seat by passengers with plastic handcuffs and duct tape after causing a disturbance on an American Airlines flight in the US has been identified as Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old Arizona real estate agent. Lundeen, who allegedly made racist and homophobic remarks and attacked passengers, was taken into custody, and the real estate company he worked for severed ties with him following the incident.
There has been a new development in the incident on American Airlines flight 618 from Dallas to Newark, which caused the plane to be diverted. The person who was taped to their seat by other passengers on the plane has been identified as Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old Arizona real estate agent.
ALLEGEDLY MADE RACIST AND HOMOPHOBIC INSULTS
According to witnesses, Lundeen began using derogatory language toward flight attendants and other passengers during the flight. Lundeen allegedly made racist and homophobic insults, then engaged in physical contact with some passengers.
When the situation got out of control, passengers on the plane intervened. Lundeen's hands were bound with plastic handcuffs, but as he continued to resist, he was secured to his seat with duct tape.
PLANE DIVERTED TO BALTIMORE
Following the incident, the flight bound for Newark was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. After the plane landed, Lundeen was taken into custody by security forces. He was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. The FBI is also conducting an investigation into the events on the plane.
67-YEAR-OLD REAL ESTATE AGENT IDENTIFIED
Following the incident, details about the identity of the person taped to the seat also emerged. Lundeen has been identified as a resident of Tucson, Arizona, who has worked in the real estate sector for many years.
COMPANY SEVERED TIES
Long Realty, to which Lundeen was affiliated, severed its relationship with him after becoming aware of the incident. The company stated that the behavior reported in the news is inconsistent with its principles of professionalism, integrity, and respect for others, and announced that Lundeen no longer represents the company.
Lundeen was released after his initial court proceedings, and the case is expected to be heard on October 19.