Arthur Lundeen Fired From Arizona Realty Firm After Being Duct-Taped on American Airlines Flight
Arthur Layne Lundeen, the 67-year-old duct-taped for allegedly hurling racial slurs and assaulting passengers on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark, has been fired from Arizona-based Long Realty. He faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct after the flight was diverted to Baltimore.
A 67-year-old passenger who was duct-taped and restrained with zip ties after allegedly hurling racial slurs on an American Airlines flight has been fired from his job at an Arizona real estate company. According to the New York Post, Arthur Layne Lundeen, a real estate agent and former vice president at Tucson-based Long Realty, was dismissed following his arrest over what the company described as concerning criminal charges. His LinkedIn profile had previously listed him as a vice president at the firm, but his profile has since been taken down from the company's website.
Long Realty said in a Facebook statement that it ended its affiliation with Lundeen as soon as it learned of the incident, adding that he is no longer authorised to represent the company in any capacity and that his alleged conduct went against everything the firm expects from its affiliates. Who Is Arthur Lundeen? Man Duct-Taped To Seat on American Airlines Flight After Racist Outburst (Video).
Unruly American Airlines Passenger Arthur Lundeen Fired From Arizona Realty Firm After Duct-Tape Incident
Unruly airline passenger who had to be duct-taped to seat after N-word meltdown fired from Arizona realty company
A belligerent passenger who was duct-taped and zip-tied after hurling slurs on an American Airlines flight was fired from an Arizona realty company over his… pic.twitter.com/e9l5WLjye4
— SANTINO (@TheRealSantino) September 7, 2026
How The Mid-Air Incident Unfolded
The incident took place Thursday night aboard American Airlines Flight 618, travelling from Dallas to Newark. According to witnesses, Lundeen grew increasingly aggressive toward the crew and fellow passengers as the flight went on.
Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer who was travelling with his friend Richard Olenick, told ABC News that Lundeen, seated two rows behind them, began hurling racial slurs and vulgar, derogatory remarks at American Airlines staff and other passengers. US: Passengers Restrain Man After He Kicks Seat, Breaks Plane Window Layer Over Seat Change Request on Houston Bound Frontier Airlines Flight (See Pic and Video).
Olenick said Mejia stepped in as soon as Lundeen's behaviour escalated. A flight attendant initially tried to control the situation, but Lundeen reportedly grew more agitated and struck the passenger seated next to him, along with a woman who tried to intervene.
Flight Diverted, Passenger Arrested In Baltimore
Mejia and Olenick helped restrain Lundeen until the flight could be diverted. Photos from the incident show him bound to his seat with duct tape around his head and torso, with his wrists tied together.
American Airlines told the Post the aircraft was diverted to Baltimore because of the disruptive customer. Lundeen was removed from the plane and arrested after landing, allowing the rest of the passengers to continue on to Newark.
The FBI confirmed Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Police. Court records show he faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, with the bureau saying it is working with the US Attorney's Office in Maryland to decide whether federal charges will follow.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 04:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
