MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Man subdued after threatening passengers on flight out of Seattle

Jul 13, 2020, 7:03 AM

richard russell, Alaska Airlines flight...

Alaska Airlines planes parked at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport terminal. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

A red-eye flight from Seattle to Chicago turned violent just minutes after takeoff Saturday, when a man started pacing the aisle threatening to kill everyone.

Sea-Tac Airport responds to coronavirus with new steps for healthy travel

The Alaska Airlines flight was still in the initial ascent and passengers were just getting settled, when a man unbuckled and started screaming.

“I will kill everybody,” he screamed in video posted to Twitter.

“Die in the name of Jesus,” he screamed, as a police officer, who just happened to be on the flight, and another man moved in quickly to subdue him, pushing him into a row of seats.

But being restrained didn’t stop the threats.

“Die in the name of the Holy Ghost,” he yelled as nervous passengers looked on.

A gutsy flight attendant can be seen in the video jumping seats to help the two men. Another held the man down and tried to restrain him.

The flight crew then turned the plane around. Several emergency messages can be heard over the loudspeaker.

Sea-Tac Airport requiring all travelers, workers to wear masks

The group finally worked together to get the man under control, all the while asking the man to calm down and avoid escalating the situation. That was advice the man didn’t take.

“Jesus is a Black man,” he screamed as the group worked to control him.

“Get off of me!” he yelled. “I did nothing.”

Port of Seattle Police arrested the man after the plane landed. He was taken to the King County Jail.

There no information on what set the man off.

MyNorthwest News

Bellevue’s Cantina Monarca sets sights on Seattle waterfront debut in 2027...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Bellevue’s Cantina Monarca sets sights on Seattle waterfront debut in 2027

From gourmet tacos to lobster enchiladas, Bellevue's Cantina Monarca is coming to Seattle.

6 hours ago

Seahawks...

Luke Duecy

Seahawks vs. Chiefs: How the 12s can reclaim the world record for loudest stadium

Seattle Seahawks fans have a record to reclaim, and science offers a few clues about how to do it.

6 hours ago

e-scooter...

Brittany Perry, KIRO 7 News

5-year-old hospitalized with life-threatening injuries in crash involving car, e-scooter

Two children were injured in a crash involving an e-scooter and a car on Friday afternoon, and one of those children is fighting for their life.

18 hours ago

winco foods grocery store seattle renton opening...

MyNorthwest Staff

WinCo Foods recalls popular bread item distributed in WA

WinCo Foods has recalled a popular bread item due to an undeclared allergen.

18 hours ago

west seattle shot...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Woman escapes date with convicted rapist in Seattle; new charges could bring life sentence

A convicted rapist could face life in prison without parole if convicted in a new sexual assault case stemming from a date in Seattle.

19 hours ago

Starbucks (8)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Starbucks in SEA Airport’s Terminal A to close, affecting 13 employees

A WARN notice filed by HMSHost lists layoffs affecting 135 Starbucks workers in Seattle and at SEA, including 13 employees at an airport location.

19 hours ago

Man subdued after threatening passengers on flight out of Seattle