The story had already gone viral on social media. The 67-year-old passenger, bound to his seat with duct tape and zip ties after a violent incident aboard an American Airlines flight, now has a name, and his behavior has cost him his job. Arthur Layne Lundeen, a real estate agent based in Arizona, was dismissed by Long Realty, the Tucson-based company with which he was affiliated.
The 67-year-old man is accused of hurling racist and homophobic insults and then behaving violently toward several people aboard American Airlines flight AA618 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark on September 3. The situation escalated to such a point that several passengers and crew members had to restrain him before strapping him to his first-class seat with zip ties and tape.
Long Realty immediately terminates all collaboration
Following the identification of Arthur Layne Lundeen, Long Realty announced it had severed all ties with the real estate agent. The company stated that it made this decision as soon as it became aware of the legal proceedings initiated after the incident: “As soon as we learned of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with this individual. He is no longer associated with Long Realty and is no longer authorized to represent the company in any capacity.”
The company unequivocally condemned the behavior described on board the aircraft: "The behavior described is completely inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect for others that Long Realty expects from individuals affiliated with the company."
Long Realty adds that it will not tolerate any behavior that deviates so clearly from its values and sends its thoughts to the passengers, crew members and others affected by the incident.
A real estate agent presented as vice president
Arthur Layne Lundeen worked in real estate in Tucson, Arizona. His professional profile listed him as a real estate agent and vice president at Long Realty. He had reportedly worked with the company since 2013. His page has since been removed from the company's website. The professional disciplinary action was therefore taken just days after his arrest and the widespread dissemination of the images taken on board the plane.
Racist insults, homophobic remarks and physical violence
The flight had taken off from Dallas-Fort Worth bound for Newark when the passenger's behavior suddenly deteriorated. Witnesses explained that he became increasingly aggressive, using vulgar language before hurling racist and homophobic insults. A Black member of the flight crew was reportedly the target of a particularly violent racist insult. Insults targeting homosexuals were also allegedly hurled in the cabin.
But the matter wasn't limited to words. Lundeen is also accused of physically assaulting people on board. According to several accounts, he allegedly grabbed a passenger by the neck. While restraining him, he also reportedly bit Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer who had come to assist the crew.
Passengers forced to tie him to his seat
Juan Mejia and Richard O'Lenick were two rows ahead of Arthur Lundeen when they decided to intervene. With the help of the flight attendants, they managed to restrain the 60-year-old. Plastic straps were initially used to hold his wrists. Given his resistance and struggles, adhesive tape was then wrapped around his body to secure him to the seat. The footage shows his torso, arms, and head pressed against the seat. This dramatic scene is reminiscent of the attack on two teenagers with a fork during a flight between Chicago and Frankfurt , another incident that forced a flight crew to divert their aircraft.
Flight AA618 diverted to Baltimore
Faced with the impossibility of continuing the flight to Newark as planned, the captain decided to divert flight AA618 to Baltimore- Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport. Law enforcement officers took Arthur Lundeen into custody after landing. He was arrested and is now facing charges in Maryland for second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Following the incident, American Airlines reiterated that the safety of its passengers and employees is its top priority and that the company will not tolerate any violence on board its aircraft.
The FBI is now examining the case.
The state charges may not be the only legal consequences for Arthur Lundeen. The FBI is also conducting an investigation to determine precisely what happened during the flight. Federal agents must determine whether the evidence gathered warrants federal prosecution. The case will be reviewed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland.
After being grounded mid-flight, arrested in Baltimore, and prosecuted, Arthur Layne Lundeen also lost his job at Long Realty. The company chose to immediately sever ties with the real estate agent, deeming the alleged actions incompatible with the values it claims to uphold for its representatives.
