Overview
- The passenger, identified as Malcolm Martin, was arrested in Anchorage and charged federally with interfering with flight crew members, an offense that can carry up to 20 years in prison.
- According to the affidavit, the confrontation began near a galley restroom when Martin grabbed a flight attendant’s shoulder, used a racial slur, and threatened violence, though no one was struck.
- Pilots classified the situation as a level-three disturbance, secured the cockpit, retrieved restraints that were not used, and diverted the Airbus A350 to Anchorage after declaring an emergency as a precaution.
- Investigators collected passenger video that showed heated exchanges; the FBI agent who reviewed clips said he did not observe a lunge or swing, and no injuries were reported.
- Delta confirmed the diversion and removal of an unruly passenger, apologized for the disruption, and the flight later continued to Taipei, arriving a little over three hours behind schedule.