Arizona Realtor Duct-Taped on American Airlines Flight After Racist, Homophobic Outburst

On September 3, 2026, American Airlines Flight 618 departed Dallas-Fort Worth for Newark. Two hours in, 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen of Tucson, Arizona, shouted racial slurs and homophobic insults, struck a passenger, attempted to choke another traveler, and bit the hand of former police officer Juan Mejia.

FBI speaks out after American Airlines duct-taped passenger to seat during mid-flight outburst

Mejia and Richard O’Lenick intervened at the crew’s request. After initial attempts with zip ties, they applied duct tape around Lundeen’s torso, arms, hands and head for the remainder of the flight. The aircraft diverted to Baltimore/Washington International, where Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen.

American Airlines Passenger Duct-Taped After Allegedly Choking Traveler on Newark-Bound Flight

Maryland court records list two misdemeanor counts: second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Lundeen was released on his own recognizance the next day. The FBI opened a parallel investigation, and the FAA launched its own review.

FBI speaks out after American Airlines duct-taped passenger to seat during mid-flight outburst

American Airlines confirmed the diversion was due to a “disruptive passenger.”

American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after violent disruption on board

• September 3, 2026 – Disruptive behavior; plane diverted; Lundeen arrested.

From racist outburst to duct tape: How a mid-air meltdown cost an Arizona realtor his job

• September 4, 2026 – Lundeen released; media reports detail the restraint.

The Guardian

• September 6, 2026 – Long Realty terminates Lundeen’s affiliation.

FBI speaks out after American Airlines duct-taped passenger to seat during mid-flight outburst

• October 19, 2026 (scheduled) – Lundeen slated to appear in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

The Guardian

• The FAA reported more than 1,160 unruly-passenger incidents in 2026, a post-COVID decline but still a safety concern.

American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after violent disruption on board

• Federal statutes allow civil penalties up to $43,658 per violation and criminal penalties up to 20 years for assaulting crew members.

American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after violent disruption on board

• “I’m glad that we were able to do what we did.” — Richard O’Lenick, passenger

American Airlines passenger duct-taped on plane loses real estate job over alleged racist, homophobic tirade

• “I didn't cover his eyes, I didn't cover his airways — his nose, his mouth — that was the most important thing.” — Richard O’Lenick, passenger

NBCNewYork.com

Accounts differ on Lundeen’s exact aggression. Some describe him as “biting” a rescuer’s hand; others say he “choked” a nearby passenger. Both descriptions come from eyewitnesses (Mejia, O’Lenick) and remain unverified.

ABC7 New York

Lundeen’s scheduled appearance on October 19, 2026 will determine whether additional state or federal charges are filed. The FBI and FAA investigations continue, and Long Realty’s statement indicates the employment relationship will not be restored.

FBI speaks out after American Airlines duct-taped passenger to seat during mid-flight outburst

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FBI speaks out after American Airlines duct-taped passenger to seat during mid-flight outburst

*The incident underscores how a single passenger’s violent outburst can trigger legal, professional and regulatory consequences that extend far beyond the aircraft cabin.*

American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after violent disruption on board