A man from Texas was arrested by the FBI for allegedly assaulting a passenger, attempting to attack another, causing injuries to a second passenger, and verbally abusing a flight attendant on an American Airlines flight from Wichita to Washington Reagan National Airport. This incident, as reported by CBS News, took place just five weeks after the crash of another American Airlines flight on the same route.
The individual, named Asterius Rulamka, was seated in the 14th row of the plane when he allegedly stood up shortly before landing on the night of March 5. He reportedly approached a flight attendant and made threats towards him. Rulamka also mentioned President Trump during an FBI interview following the flight.
Witnesses on the flight began recording the threatening behavior on their phones. Charging documents state that Rulamka attacked a passenger who was filming, causing bruises and a bloodshot eye. He then attempted to strike another passenger, who managed to avoid being hit but suffered minor injuries in the process.
During the flight, Rulamka was seen running up and down the cabin, prompting three passengers and flight attendants to restrain him before landing. Upon arrival, he expressed anger and a desire to speak to President Trump.
Rulamka, who was previously under investigation for an immigration violation in 2014, is currently in custody facing a federal assault charge. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia for a preliminary hearing. As of now, he has not entered a plea, and his defense attorney has not responded to requests for comment from CBS News.
The FBI, which has airport liaison agents to handle such incidents, has not provided further details on the case.
