United Passenger Arrested After Claiming ‘This Is a Simulation’ and Throwing ‘Punches’ Mid-Flight

A United Airlines flight traveling from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Omaha, Nebraska, on Sunday after a passenger allegedly caused a disturbance onboard.

Flight 2410 departed Washington Dulles International Airport but diverted midair after a passenger became disruptive. Law enforcement met the aircraft at the gate in Omaha, where the passenger was removed. The flight later continued on to Salt Lake City that evening.

A criminal complaint filed Monday in the U.S. District Court of Nebraska identifies the passenger as 25-year-old Jordan Robert Langston. An affidavit submitted by FBI Special Agent Patrick Manion alleges that Langston’s actions prompted the diversion.

According to the affidavit, shortly after takeoff Langston left his seat, walked toward the front of the plane, and approached a flight attendant while repeatedly stating, “This is a simulation,” and waving his hands above his head. When asked what he meant, Langston allegedly said “this flight” before moving toward the rear of the aircraft.

Once at the back of the plane, Langston is accused of pushing another flight attendant and stepping on their shoes while saying he needed to get off the aircraft. A third flight attendant reportedly warned him not to touch the crew, stating the flight would otherwise be turned around.

The captain was informed of the incident and issued a Level 2 security threat, allowing the flight to continue but requiring four able-bodied assistants (ABTs) to be alerted. One ABT was seated next to Langston, who allegedly continued repeating that the situation was a simulation.

About 30 minutes later, Langston allegedly stood up forcefully, jumped up and down, raised his hands, and began “shadow boxing.” According to the affidavit, he then struck the ABT in the face, prompting the ABT to take him to the ground in the aisle.

Langston was subsequently moved to the back of the aircraft by four ABTs and a flight attendant, where he was restrained and cuffed. The affidavit states that he began screaming and making comments about death.

After the plane landed in Omaha, airport police escorted Langston off the aircraft. He was arrested and booked into Douglas County Corrections.

Court records show Langston is charged with violating Title 49 U.S. Code Section 46504, which covers interference with flight crew members and attendants. On Dec. 30, a U.S. magistrate judge ordered him to remain in custody, and a 45-day criminal deadline was set for Feb. 13. His attorney has not publicly commented on the case.