The FBI is investigating a man that attempted to rush the cockpit just as the plane was taxiing. After this attempt failed, he reached for the emergency exit door to flee at which point crew members and passengers tackled him.
The 386 flight from Delta airlines was on its way to Nashville when the incident occurred. The disturbing video shows the flight crew and passengers tackling a man and finally restraining him using zip ties.
Once the man was safely restrained and passengers seated, the pilot made an emergency landing n Albuquerque. The man was then taken into police custody and is currently under investigation.
The police let the public know that there was currently no active threat.
It is speculated that the response was triggered by a mental health episode or as a result of a reaction to recreational drugs.
— 💡 (@1WaySuggs) June 4, 2021
Jessica Robertson, who was on the flight, shared her experience.
“I was on this flight in the 3rd row - witness to everything. Terrifying but our @Delta flight attendant Christopher Williams acted quickly. So did several passengers around me. Safe but still in Albuquerque. Hope @delta gives Chris every bit of recognition and bonus he deserves.”
— 💡 (@1WaySuggs) June 4, 2021
She shared another video where she revealed that the man kept asking them to “stop the plane”.
“This was our view from the 3rd row right after the @Delta attendants and passengers apprehended the person who attempted to get into the cockpit. He was screaming “Stop the plane.”
I was on this flight in the 3rd row - witness to everything. Terrifying but our @Delta flight attendant Christopher Williams acted quickly. So did several passengers around me. Safe but still in Albuquerque. Hope @delta gives Chris every bit of recognition and bonus he deserves. https://t.co/5IuxSZ27NN
— Jessica Robertson (@jesscribe) June 4, 2021
The crew member mentioned above stated in their status that banging on the door was an immediate action situation. “He kept banging on the flight door. That’s a no-no. The second he banged on the door; it was a wrap.”
This was our view from the 3rd row right after the @Delta attendants and passengers apprehended the person who attempted to get into the cockpit. He was screaming “Stop the plane.” pic.twitter.com/8CG7zNFpTq
— Jessica Robertson (@jesscribe) June 4, 2021
Delta Airlines released this statement,
“Thanks to the crew and passengers of Delta Flight 386, LAX to Nashville (BNA), who assisted in detaining an unruly passenger as the flight diverted to Albuquerque (ABQ). The aircraft landed without incident and the passenger was removed by law enforcement.”