United Airlines crew and passengers had to stop what was described in court documents as an unprovoked beating of a man on a flight Monday.
A criminal affidavit claims as Everett Chad Nelson was walking back from the bathroom about two hours after the flight began, he stopped in seat 12F and “began physically assaulting a sleeping male passenger.”
Nelson hit the still-unidentified man “repeatedly in the face and head until he drew blood,” court documents said, adding that the incident “lasted approximately one minute.”
Court documents add Nelson attacked the other man “without warning,” and there was “no indication” that the victim fought back “as a form of defense.”
United Airlines issued a statement thanking the crew and other passengers on Flight 2247 for their “quick action” in detaining Nelson. United stated that the flight from San Francisco to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia “landed safely and was met by paramedics and local law enforcement.”
Disorderly passenger incident
The FBI is investigating the incident, which is the latest case of disorderly passengers on commercial flights to capture media attention. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said airlines had reported more than 1,700 such incidents by 2024.
“The FAA takes enforcement action against passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or harass airline crew members, and may propose civil penalties of up to $37,000 per violation,” the agency said in a statement.
Court records show Nelson is represented by a public defender. CNN has contacted the attorney for comment. (BBC/Z-3)
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**Interview with Legal Analyst, Sarah Thompson**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Sarah. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming incident that occurred on a United Airlines flight. Can you tell us more about what happened?
**Sarah Thompson:** Good afternoon! Yes, this incident involves Everett Chad Nelson, who allegedly attacked another passenger unprovoked while on a flight. Reports indicate that he punched the victim multiple times in the face and head, resulting in significant bleeding. It’s quite alarming how quickly a situation can escalate in confined spaces like an airplane.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly disturbing. What details do we have about the circumstances leading up to the attack?
**Sarah Thompson:** According to court documents, the attack took place approximately two hours into the flight, as Nelson was returning from the bathroom. This kind of spontaneous violence is particularly troubling since the victim was sleeping at the time, suggesting there was no apparent provocation.
**Interviewer:** How did the crew and other passengers respond to this situation?
**Sarah Thompson:** Fortunately, the United Airlines crew and nearby passengers acted quickly to intervene and stop the attack. The swift response is crucial in such situations, as it helps minimize harm to the victim and ensures the safety of others on board.
**Interviewer:** Given the severity of the assault, what legal repercussions could Nelson face?
**Sarah Thompson:** Depending on the charges brought against him, which could range from assault to more serious charges, Nelson could face significant legal consequences. Federal law often applies to acts of violence on airplanes, and penalties can include substantial fines and imprisonment. The outcome will hinge on the evidence presented during the legal proceedings.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for providing your insights into this unsettling incident. It’s a reminder of how vital safety protocols are in the aviation industry.
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s always essential to prioritize safety on flights, and we hope this serves as a wake-up call for better conflict de-escalation practices in the air.