US: Door Opening Attempt Foiled on Chicago-Bound Plane; Disruptive Passenger ‘Tackled, Duct-Taped’ Mid-Flight – News18

US flyers on a Chicago-bound flight on Tuesday tackled and duct-taped a man mid-flight after he tried to open the plane door, forcing the plane to return to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

American Airlines flight 1219 made the U-turn shortly after takeoff and landed back in Albuquerque International Sunport Airport around 2:40 pm on February 20, the New York Post reported, citing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Wonton Don,” a personality from the American pop culture website Barstool Sports, was on the flight and stated that about 30 minutes into the flight, a man a few rows behind attempted to open the plane’s door.

“30 minutes after departing Albuquerque I was shaken out of my Panda Express and Tequila induced stupor by a man trying to aggressively open the airplane door 4 rows back. Me and 5 other dudes had to wrestle him into the aisle, duct tape his legs, and throw flexi-cuffs on him. Just safely landed back in ABQ but HOLY S—T,” he tweeted.

He later posted a photo showing the culprit being escorted off the plane by four police officers. American Airlines confirmed that there was “a disturbance in the cabin involving a disruptive customer.” The Albuquerque police and FBI’s regional office did not respond to requests for comment posed by The Post.