An American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was forced to make an emergency landing in Baltimore on Thursday night after a passenger suddenly became physically violent and had to be restrained.

The disruption began roughly two hours into the journey when a passenger's demeanor shifted abruptly from calm to aggressive. Witnesses reported that he began shouting before physically attacking the traveler seated next to him, wrapping his hands around the seatmate's neck.

Several passengers stepped in to stop the assault, including Juan Mejia, a retired law enforcement officer, and Richard Olenick, both seated two rows ahead. With assistance from the flight crew, who supplied zip ties, the group managed to subdue the disruptive individual. Flight attendants and passengers then used duct tape to secure him firmly to his seat to prevent further danger. Photographic evidence shared by witnesses captured the man secured with multiple loops of tape wrapped around his wrists, body, and head.

Before turning violent, the passenger reportedly directed verbal abuse, including racial slurs and homophobic remarks, toward a flight attendant.

Due to the severity of the in-flight emergency, the flight crew diverted the aircraft to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Upon landing, law enforcement officers boarded the plane and took the suspect into custody, allowing the remaining passengers to continue their journey to Newark.

American Airlines issued a statement emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains its primary concern, praising the crew for their handling of the situation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the individual was initially held on state charges as federal investigators examine the details of the event. The FBI is actively conducting witness interviews and will work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to evaluate potential federal charges. The identity of the suspect has not been publicly released by authorities.