Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, was detained by passengers and arrested after American Airlines Flight 618 diverted to BWI following reports he became violent and used racial slurs. He faces second-degree assault and disorderly conduct charges in Anne Arundel County and was released after an initial appearance; he is due back in court on October 19. The FBI and FAA are investigating and Long Realty says it has ended his affiliation with the firm.
Passenger Duct-Taped On Flight After Alleged Violent, Racist Outburst — Who Is Arthur Layne Lundeen?
Arthur Layne Lundeen duct-taped to a seat aboard American Airlines Flight 618.
Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, was detained by fellow travelers and later arrested after American Airlines Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Passengers and crew say Lundeen became verbally abusive, used racial slurs and allegedly became physical, prompting other travelers to restrain him with duct tape and flexible zip ties until law enforcement met the aircraft.
What Happened On Flight 618
Flight 618 was en route from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport when crew and passengers reported a disturbance in first class. Passenger Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, told CBS News the situation escalated "just like a light switch," and described a fellow traveler being grabbed around the neck. Another passenger, Richard Olenick, said he and others intervened because they feared the incident could become more serious.
How He Was Restrained
Passengers say Lundeen was secured to his first-class seat using duct tape while his hands were restrained with flexible zip ties. Photographs taken aboard the flight show a man bound to a seat with visible injuries on his arms. Flight crews often carry flexible restraints for use against violent or disruptive passengers.
Arrest, Charges And Court Dates
After the aircraft landed at BWI, Lundeen was removed by law enforcement and charged in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. Court records show he was released after an initial appearance on September 4 and is scheduled to return to court on October 19.
Federal And Agency Inquiries
The FBI told reporters it is conducting interviews to gather facts and will consult the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges are warranted. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is investigating the incident; the agency said Flight 618 landed safely and later continued to Newark.
Employer Response
Long Realty, a Tucson-based real estate firm, confirmed Lundeen had been affiliated as an associate broker and a vice president member of its executive council. The company said it promptly ended his affiliation after learning of the incident and that the conduct described is inconsistent with the firm's values.
Context And Potential Penalties
The incident adds to ongoing FAA tracking of unruly passenger behavior. As of 2026 more than 1,160 unruly incidents have been reported to the FAA, a level the agency says remains more than 80 percent below the record highs of early 2021. Passengers who act disruptively can face civil fines — the FAA may impose penalties up to $43,658 per violation — and can be subject to criminal prosecution. Under federal law, assaulting or intimidating a flight crew member in a way that interferes with their duties can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years; use of a dangerous weapon can result in longer terms.
Statements
Long Realty CEO Kevin Kaplan said the company promptly ended Lundeen's affiliation and emphasized that the reported conduct contradicts the firm's values. American Airlines said it does not tolerate violence and that passenger and employee safety is a top priority.
Newsweek contacted Lundeen and American Airlines for comment outside of regular business hours. The FBI had not announced federal charges as of September 6.
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