The headline united pilot attacked passenger has emerged from a recently filed federal lawsuit detailing a harrowing experience for an Orthodox Jewish man aboard a United Airlines flight. The lawsuit alleges that the pilot forcibly removed the passenger from an airplane bathroom due to the length of his visit, subsequently leading to the passenger’s arrest upon landing. This incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about passenger treatment and the authority of airline staff.
Key Takeaways:
- A lawsuit alleges a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed a passenger from a bathroom on a flight from Tulum to Houston.
- The passenger, Yisroel Liebb, stated he was experiencing constipation and was in the bathroom for approximately 20 minutes.
- The pilot allegedly broke down the bathroom door, pulled Liebb out with his pants down, and exposed his genitalia to other passengers.
- The lawsuit also claims the pilot made disparaging remarks about the passenger’s Judaism.
- Upon landing in Houston, Liebb and a fellow traveler were detained and handcuffed by Customs and Border Protection officers at the request of the airline.
What Exactly Happened on the United Airlines Flight?
The lawsuit filed by Yisroel Liebb provides a detailed account of the alleged incident where a united pilot attacked passenger. According to the legal document, on January 28th, during a United Airlines flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston, Texas, Liebb, a 20-year-old from New Jersey, needed to use the restroom. Due to experiencing constipation, he was in the bathroom at the back of the plane for approximately 20 minutes. This duration apparently caused concern among the flight crew.
The situation escalated when a flight attendant woke Liebb’s travel companion, Jacob Sebbag, who is also Orthodox Jewish, and asked him to check on Liebb. Sebbag relayed to the flight attendant that Liebb was experiencing a gastrointestinal issue and would be out shortly. However, about ten minutes later, the pilot himself approached Sebbag, demanding he check on Liebb again. The lawsuit states that the pilot then began yelling at Liebb to immediately exit the bathroom, setting the stage for the shocking events that followed.
The Pilot’s Alleged Forcible Removal and Humiliation
The lawsuit claims that after Liebb responded to the pilot that he was finishing up and would be out momentarily, the pilot took drastic action. Enraged by the delay, the pilot allegedly broke the lock on the bathroom door, forcibly opened it, and physically pulled Liebb out. Tragically, Liebb’s pants were still around his ankles during this forceful removal, resulting in the exposure of his genitalia to Sebbag, several flight attendants, and nearby passengers (Source: Yahoo News). Liebb stated in the lawsuit that he felt “sexually violated and embarrassed after having been publicly exposed in the nude.”
The ordeal didn’t end there. The lawsuit further alleges that as Sebbag attempted to assist Liebb, the pilot repeatedly pushed both men back towards their seats. During this interaction, the pilot allegedly made threats of getting them arrested and made disparaging remarks about their Jewish faith, reportedly saying how “Jews act.” These accusations add a layer of religious discrimination to the already disturbing allegations of physical aggression and public humiliation.
Arrest Upon Arrival: The Aftermath in Houston
The lawsuit details the consequences that followed the alleged mid-flight incident where the united pilot attacked passenger. Upon the flight’s arrival in Houston, Liebb and Sebbag were met by approximately half a dozen Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who boarded the plane. The officers then escorted the two men off the aircraft and into custody. Liebb recounted asking why they were being detained, to which a CBP officer allegedly responded by tightening his handcuffs and stating, “This isn’t county or state. We are homeland. You have no rights here” (Source: Associated Press).
The two men were subsequently taken through the airport terminal in handcuffs, placed in holding cells, and had their luggage searched. This detention caused them to miss their connecting flight to New York City. While United Airlines reportedly booked them on a flight the next day for free, the men incurred additional expenses for an overnight hotel stay and food. The lawsuit also claims that the handcuffs caused “severe wrist pain” that persisted for days, and Liebb allegedly suffered head and leg injuries during the forceful removal from the bathroom. This incident stands in stark contrast to the safe evacuation following the American Airlines fire at Denver Airport, highlighting the varied experiences passengers can face during air travel.
United Airlines and CBP Response to the Allegations
As of the latest reports, both United Airlines and the US Department of Homeland Security have offered limited comments on the allegations stemming from the incident where a united pilot attacked passenger. United Airlines has declined to comment on the pending litigation. Similarly, Hilton Beckham, the CBP assistant commissioner for public affairs, stated that while CBP officers responded to reports of a disturbance on the flight at the request of the airline, they are unable to provide any further comment due to the ongoing lawsuit (Source: NDTV).
The lack of a detailed response from both entities leaves many questions unanswered regarding the incident. The lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court seeks damages, the amount of which will be determined at trial, as well as the payment of attorney’s fees. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for airline passenger rights and the responsibilities of airline staff, particularly pilots, in managing onboard situations.
