Nationwide — Arthur “Layne” Lundeen, a white man who was restrained on an American Airlines flight after an alleged outburst involving racial slurs and physical altercations, says he does not remember what happened. The 67-year-old was arrested after the plane made an emergency landing in Maryland, and he now faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
The incident unfolded Sept. 3 on American Airlines Flight 618, which was traveling from Dallas to Newark, New Jersey. Crew members reported having trouble with a “disruptive customer,” prompting the plane to divert to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. When officers boarded the aircraft, they found Lundeen restrained to his seat with duct tape around his upper and lower body, and his hands were tied with zip ties, according to People.
The police report says Lundeen had allegedly become increasingly unruly during the flight. He reportedly yelled profanities and racial slurs, including the N-word, before allegedly striking a female passenger in the arm. After officers removed the restraints, he allegedly hit an officer in the chest. Lundeen appeared in court the next day in Annapolis, where he said he had no memory of the alleged incident. When a district court commissioner went over the charges, Lundeen asked, “I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says?” He also explained that he did not have his glasses.
Lundeen acknowledged during the hearing that he had consumed “two screwdrivers.” He later expressed surprise about what had happened, saying, “Oh my God. What a mess … I don’t remember any of it.” He said his last clear memory from the flight was talking with fellow first-class passenger Jonathan Cahn. Cahn later recalled that Lundeen appeared “really friendly” during the first two hours of the trip. Their conversation eventually turned to religion and Cahn’s books about biblical prophecy and other religious topics.
Cahn said Lundeen’s demeanor changed during that conversation. He alleged that the passenger began yelling vulgar and antisemitic comments and claimed Lundeen put his hands around his neck. The alleged choking incident was not included in the police report. Cahn said the confrontation continued until two passengers seated a few rows ahead intervened. The passengers later said they used duct tape and zip ties to restrain Lundeen until authorities arrived.
The incident also led to changes in Lundeen’s professional relationship with Long Realty in Tucson, Arizona. The company said in a social media post that it had “ended its affiliation” with him. He had previously been listed as a vice president, broker, and real estate agent with the firm.