Flight attendants were forced to use duct tape to secure the mask-denying passenger who caused a ruckus on the way from NY to Orange County. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)NEWPORT BEACH, CA —An American Airlines passenger is accused of assaulting a flight attendant after they insisted he put on his mask, officials say. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the New York-based flight was bound for John Wayne Airport and was diverted to Denver.”American Airlines Flight 976, an Airbus 321 flying from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., diverted to Denver International Airport due to a passenger disturbance,” a statement from the FAA reads. “The plane landed without incident around 6:37 p.m. (Wednesday) local time.” The FAA is investigating what happened.Find out what’s happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Let’s go!Witnesses say the passenger disputed the directive to put on their mask. Then, a physical altercation ensued. Footage from the plane shows flight attendants using duct tape to bind the passenger to their seat.Find out what’s happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Let’s go!The passenger was taken into custody when the plane landed. American Airlines released a statement regarding the incident Thursday morning. When the plane landed and taxied to the Denver gate, law enforcement removed and apprehended the passenger, officials from the airline wrote.”We are outraged by the reports of what took place on board,” they wrote. “Acts of violence against our team members will not be tolerated by American Airlines. We have engaged local law enforcement and the FBI and we are working with them to ensure they have all the information they need. Banned From American Airlines, Forever.The passenger who was removed will never again have the right to fly on American Airlines, according to the airline. It is unclear if they will be banned from other airlines, as well. “The individual involved in this incident will never be allowed to travel with American Airlines in the future, but we will not be satisfied until he has been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This behavior must stop, and aggressive enforcement and prosecution of the law is the best deterrent. “We thank our crew for their quick action and professionalism to ensure the safety of their fellow team members and customers on board. Our thoughts are with our injured flight attendant and ensuring that she and her fellow crew members have the support they need at this time.”Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.Thank (1)Reply (10)Share
