American Airlines flight diverted after passenger restrained with duct tape following alleged assault

Unbiased summary

On an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark, a 67-year-old passenger, identified as Arthur Lundeen of Arizona, was restrained by fellow passengers and crew after allegedly becoming disruptive, physically assaulting a nearby passenger, and using racial and homophobic slurs. Witnesses reported that Lundeen choked the passenger beside him and attempted to bite others. The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where local police arrested Lundeen. Federal charges may be considered. American Airlines confirmed the diversion due to a disruptive customer and stated that violence is not tolerated. The restrained passenger was removed, and the flight continued to Newark.

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Coverage by outlet

The Mirror centre-left

Angle Focuses on the chaotic and violent nature of the incident, emphasizing the passenger's alleged racist and homophobic outburst.

Bias The Mirror uses charged language like 'descended into chaos' and highlights the 'violent and racist' aspects. It omits the passenger's name and age, and does not mention the specific slurs reported by other outlets. It relies on a single witness account and frames the duct-taping as a necessary safety measure. The tone is sensational but generally factual, with minimal deviation from the objective events.

American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after 'violent and racist' outburst

Daily Mail right

Angle Sensationalizes the passenger as a 'passenger from hell' and provides extensive details, including the alleged tirade about Jesus and hell, to maximize shock value.

Bias The Daily Mail includes more specific allegations (e.g., 'tirade about Jesus and going to hell') and names the passenger early. It emphasizes the alcohol-fueled nature and the violence, using vivid descriptors like 'terrifying tirade.' It also includes promotional content within the article, indicating a clickbait approach. While factual, the framing is more dramatic and aimed at engaging readers' emotions rather than just reporting.

American Airlines passenger from hell DUCT-TAPED to seat on flight forced to divert over his terrifying tirade

GB News right

Angle Presents the event as a chaotic incident requiring decisive action, focusing on the restraint methods and passenger safety.

Bias GB News highlights the use of zip ties and duct tape, and includes a statement from a passenger emphasizing they did not intend to harm the individual, only restrain him. It omits the specific racial and homophobic slurs mentioned by other outlets, instead saying 'offensive remarks.' The tone is more measured but still emphasizes the 'violent' and 'chaotic' nature. It adds a note about a passenger sitting on the restrained individual, which is not in other reports, possibly to illustrate the severity.

'Violent' passenger duct-taped to seat after 'choking' fellow traveller on board chaotic flight