Search Here

The FBI is investigating a disturbing incident aboard an Alaska Airlines flight, where a male passenger attacked a fellow passenger and crew members.

The incident, which took place on a flight from Oakland to Portland, has prompted federal scrutiny to determine if any federal laws were violated.

A viral video captured the chaotic scene, showing a male passenger violently grabbing the hair of a woman seated in front of him.

According to EurWeb, the situation escalated as the passenger screamed, chanted, and rocked back and forth.

Flight attendants attempted to intervene, and one flight attendant was seen striking the man to free the woman.

The man was eventually restrained, but the flight had to return to the gate due to the ongoing disturbance.

FBI Examines Alaska Airlines Altercation as Passenger Strikes Fellow Traveler and Crew

The FBI's San Francisco branch confirmed it was aware of the situation and is taking "appropriate steps" to investigate. "The Bureau will determine if a violation of federal law has occurred," they stated, TMZ said.

According to Alaska Airlines, the passenger appeared to be experiencing a "violent medical episode" that led to the physical assault on both other passengers and crew members.

The airline added that the flight was canceled after law enforcement arrived and the disruptive passenger was removed. He was also banned from flying with the airline in the future due to the nature of his actions.

In the viral video, the man can be seen holding the woman's hair as others aboard try to help her. The flight attendant responded by physically intervening to break the passenger's grip.

The altercation lasted for several minutes before the situation was finally controlled, with other passengers assisting the crew.

One passenger, who identified herself as the woman in the video, later described the frightening encounter.

She explained that the passenger had a psychotic episode, banging his head on the seat before grabbing her hair. "I was afraid this man was going to punch me in the head," she said. She expressed her gratitude towards the flight attendants and fellow passengers who stepped in to help.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA praised the flight attendant's swift action, highlighting the importance of crew safety and the protection of passengers. The union commended the crew for preventing further injury and escalating violence.

The incident remains under investigation, and the FBI will determine whether criminal charges will follow.

Tags

Alaska Airlines