Passenger Banned from United Airlines After He Punched a Gate Agent
A Maryland man has been banned from flying with United Airlines after allegedly assaulting a gate agent at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The incident occurred on March 13 at approximately 5:30 p.m. when airport authorities responded to reports of an altercation at Gate D12.
The passenger, identified as Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, of Frederick, Maryland, was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. The gate agent, whose name has not been disclosed, was transported to a local hospital by emergency responders for treatment.
A video of the incident shows the suspect approaching the agent before suddenly punching him in the face, causing him to collapse. Witnesses reacted with shock as the video abruptly ended.
While authorities have not confirmed the motive behind the attack, witnesses reported that the altercation stemmed from a flight cancellation. The gate agent was allegedly attempting to prevent the passenger from moving closer to the gate when the suspect, appearing frustrated, struck him.
Following the attack, United Airlines confirmed that the passenger has been permanently banned from flying with the airline.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers called for stronger protections for airline employees, citing a rise in assaults against frontline airline staff. The union stated that airline workers should not have to fear being attacked while performing their duties and emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting employees.
The union, which represents over 100,000 airline workers, highlighted the increasing number of physical assaults on airline personnel, including instances of employees being punched, kicked, and struck by objects. It urged authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety of airline staff and enforce consequences for violent passengers.
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