Layne Lundeen, a 67-year-old Tucson realtor, was shown in viral images duct-taped to an airplane seat after an alleged in-flight outburst on a flight to Newark that forced an emergency landing in Baltimore. He is accused of assaulting a police officer after being removed from the plane and faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct. In his first Maryland court appearance, Lundeen said he could not remember the incident and appeared stunned as charges were read. Reports say he had been seated beside author Jonathan Cahn and has since been fired from his job.
Duct-Taped Passenger Says He Can't Recall Viral Midair Outburst; Faces Assault Charges
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Images and video that circulated online showed Tucson realtor Layne Lundeen, 67, bound with silver duct tape to an airline seat after an unruly episode on an American Airlines flight headed to Newark, New Jersey. The footage went viral and prompted an emergency response when the aircraft diverted to Baltimore.
Incident and Diversion
Passengers and crew reported that Lundeen erupted in a disruptive outburst during the flight. The disturbance was described by witnesses as severe enough to require other travelers and crew to restrain him until the plane could land. The flight made an emergency landing in Baltimore, where authorities removed Lundeen from the aircraft.
Alleged Assault and Court Appearance
Officials say Lundeen was escorted off the plane and then allegedly assaulted a police officer at the scene. He later appeared in a Maryland courtroom for the first time, facing charges of assault and disorderly conduct.
"I don't remember any of what happened," Lundeen told the court, according to audio reported by The Baltimore Banner and cited by The New York Post. When informed of the alleged assault on an officer, he responded, "I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says? I don't have my glasses."
Accounts From Fellow Passengers
Reports say Lundeen had been seated beside author and Messianic rabbi Jonathan Cahn, who described a rapid and dramatic change in Lundeen's demeanor while they were discussing spirituality. Witnesses allege Lundeen used anti-religious slurs during the episode. Media reports also indicate Lundeen has since been terminated from his job.
Authorities are proceeding with charges stemming from the in-flight disturbance and the alleged assault after the emergency landing. Many details remain based on witness accounts and local reporting.
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