Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, has been charged federally in connection with a midair incident on American Airlines Flight 618 that forced the plane to divert.
On September 3, 2026, the Dallas-to-Newark flight was diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after Lundeen allegedly became unruly. Authorities say he ignored crew instructions, directed abusive language including racial slurs at flight attendants, and physically confronted passengers and crew. Fellow passengers restrained him with duct tape and zip ties until the aircraft landed safely.
One of the passengers involved was author and Messianic rabbi Jonathan Cahn, who was seated next to Lundeen. Cahn later described being subjected to antisemitic remarks and a physical confrontation during the episode.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced on October 13, 2026, that Lundeen faces federal charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, as well as assault by striking, beating, and wounding. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison on the interference charge and up to 12 months on the assault charge.
Lundeen had initially faced state misdemeanor charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct in Maryland and was released on his own recognizance. At an earlier court appearance, he said he could not remember the events aboard the aircraft, stating he recalled only speaking with the passenger seated next to him. His former real estate employer, Long Realty in Tucson, ended its affiliation with him after learning of the incident.
The case remains ongoing in federal court.
MORE HERE:
Charisma Magazine: https://mycharisma.com/news/breaking-federal-charges-filed-against-duct-tape-man-accused-of-attacking-jonathan-cahn-on-flight-618/
KTAR: https://ktar.com/arizona-news/american-airlines-duct-tape-passenger-indicted
WBAL: https://www.wbal.com/american-airlines-passenger-allegedly-hurled-racial-slurs-before-being-taped-to-seat-at-bwi
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