Unruly airline American Airlines passenger who had to be duct-taped to seat is unmasked

Unruly airline American Airlines passenger who had to be duct-taped to seat is unmasked Layne Arthur Lundeen allegedly used homophobic and racist onboard an American Airlines flight, which led to it being diverted to Baltimore Airport in Maryland in the US An unruly passenger who had to be duct-taped to his seat after alleging launching into racist and homophobic rant has been identified. It is said Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, has now lost his job as an estate agent following the chaos which led to the American Airlines flight to be diverted last week. Photographs emerged showing the man restrained to a seat - with rolls of duct tape wrapped around his body and his hands tied. The American Airlines Flight 618 had to divert to a Baltimore airport in Maryland, where the estate agent was removed from the aircraft. The rest of the passengers then resumed their journey to Newark in New Jersey. It is alleged Lundeen, who is from Tucson, Arizona, yelled abuse, including racist and homophobic slurs, at passengers around him and a flight attendant during the latter stages of the flight. It is said the man had been drinking alcohol. His previous firm, of which Lundeen was reportedly vice president, has now distanced itself from the man. Kevin Kaplan, CEO of Long Realty based in Tucson, said: "Long Realty is aware of reports concerning criminal charges filed against a former affiliated real estate agent arising from an incident that allegedly occurred during a commercial flight. "Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with the individual. The individual is no longer associated with or authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity. "The conduct described in the reports is wholly inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect for others that Long Realty expects from those affiliated with the company." Sources told the media a flight attendant spoke to Lundeen when he first became disruptive, but he continued to abuse others. It is alleged he pushed a female passenger who had tried to help him. Juan Mejia, a retired police officer who was on the flight, told CBS News: "Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos. I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him." It led to a flight attendant, with the help of distressed passengers, to tie Lundeen to the seat with the adhesive. Lundeen was taken into custody on state charges, and federal charges could also be filed by the FBI, according to US media. An American Airlines spokesperson said the flight was diverted due to a disruptive customer. They added: "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding."