A 67-year-old man aboard an American Airlines flight to Newark was restrained with duct tape and zip ties after reportedly engaging in a disruptive and aggressive outburst that forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Baltimore. The incident occurred midair and involved the passenger, identified as Layne Lundeen, allegedly delivering a racist and homophobic tirade.

During court proceedings in Annapolis, Maryland, Lundeen expressed no memory of the events from the flight. When District Court Commissioner George Haag read the charges against him, Lundeen appeared confused, questioning the accusations and stating he did not have his glasses. He also reacted audibly with frustration, describing the situation as “a mess.”

Authorities intervened after Lundeen became uncontrollable, prompting fellow passengers to physically restrain him using duct tape and zip ties until the aircraft could safely land. Following the emergency landing in Baltimore, he was taken into custody and later released from his employment at Tucson-based Long Realty Company, where he worked as a realtor.

Lundeen told the court he had been traveling to assist one of his daughters with moving into a new apartment, which coincided with her birthday. Further details regarding the incident or potential charges have not been disclosed. The airline and law enforcement continue to review the incident.