BALTIMORE, United States: A duct-taped airline passenger who was restrained during an American Airlines flight said he had consumed two screwdrivers before the incident but could not remember what happened afterwards.
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, made the disclosure during a September 4 court hearing in Maryland, according to audio obtained by the Baltimore Banner and reported by CBS Baltimore. “I don’t remember any of what happened,” he told the court.
Lundeen had been travelling in first class on American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on September 3. Witnesses said his behaviour changed after a lengthy conversation with author and Messianic rabbi Jonathan Cahn, with allegations of racial, antisemitic and homophobic remarks and physical aggression.
Passengers Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, and Richard O’Lenick were among those who intervened. Lundeen was eventually restrained with zip ties and duct tape as the crew diverted the aircraft to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
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The flight landed in Baltimore at about 10:15 p.m. EDT on September 3, and authorities arrested Lundeen at 7:15. Maryland court records list second-degree assault and disorderly conduct charges.
Lundeen was released on his own recognisance the following day. He was ordered to avoid alcohol and non-prescription drugs while the case proceeds. His next court appearance was tentatively scheduled for October 19 in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Long Realty Company in Tucson, Arizona, subsequently ended its affiliation with Lundeen, saying the conduct described in reports was inconsistent with its standards of professionalism and respect.
