Airline Passenger Violence Continues
Violence at our nation's airports, a topic covered by the WVPI on this blog last week, is continuing.
Two troubling events occurred on Labor Day, September 6, 2021 on opposite ends of the country.
FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
A 46-year-old Chicago woman reportedly told airport personnel there was a bomb in her checked bag at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Reports indicate that the woman and her family arrived late at the gate and was refused entry onto the JetBlue airliner. She reacted by allegedly cursing at airline employees, and made the bomb threat.
The plane which had been taxing at the time, was required to return to the terminal and all passengers were then evacuated. The Broward County Sheriff's Office bomb squad then checked the plane for any explosive devices.
Officials indicate the woman was booked into and is being held at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale. She faces one count of false reporting concerning planting a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction.
SALT LAKE CITY AIRPORT
A 61-year-old passenger of an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City was arrested upon touch down for his alleged unruly in-flight behavior.
According to authorities, the man, a resident of Nevada, flung his middle finger at flight attendants and also cursed at them. He reportedly also began yelling "God bless America" and screaming "Joe Biden."
A fellow passenger claimed the man also berated an Asian passenger, stating she and her companion "didn't belong here."
After the flight landed, the man was taken into custody. He was reportedly evaluated at a local hospital and charged with public intoxication.
SOURCES:
https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-arrests-las-vegas-airlines-0e3896050f52f6b43d58f715402e2c72