Arizona realtor Layne Lundeen, 67, who was duct-taped to his seat after American Airlines flight outburst, says he ‘doesn’t remember any of what happened’: ‘I assaulted a police officer?’

An American Airlines passenger who was allegedly restrained with duct tape and zip ties after becoming unruly on a flight to Newark told a court he had no memory of the mid-air incident, one day after his arrest.Layne Lundeen, 67, appeared before a court in Annapolis, Maryland, where he reportedly expressed confusion about the allegations against him. According to The Banner, which obtained audio of the hearing, Lundeen said, “I don’t remember any of what happened.”When District Court Commissioner George Haag read the accusations, Lundeen reportedly asked, “I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says?” He then added, “I don’t have my glasses.”Layne Lundeen says he didn’t know how he ended up in MarylandLundeen repeatedly told the commissioner that he could not recall the events surrounding the flight.“Oh my God. What a mess. I don’t remember any of it,” he reportedly said.Haag later asked him what had brought him to Maryland. Lundeen replied that he had been travelling to New York City and did not know how he had ended up in Maryland.“I came to New York City. I don’t know how I got to Maryland. I was supposed to land in New Jersey,” he said.The 67-year-old Arizona realtor had reportedly been travelling to help one of his daughters move into a new apartment. He also said it was her birthday.“I got a double whammy for my trip. Well, now it’s a triple whammy,” Lundeen reportedly told the commissioner.Flight diverted after alleged outburstAccording to police, witnesses said Lundeen “became increasingly unruly” during the American Airlines flight.The alleged behaviour was reportedly serious enough that fellow passengers restrained him using duct tape and zip ties. The aircraft was subsequently forced to make an emergency landing in Baltimore.Lundeen faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.His seatmate, author and Messianic rabbi Jonathan Cahn, has also spoken about the alleged incident. Cahn said the two had initially been having a cordial conversation before their discussion turned towards spirituality.Cahn previously described Lundeen as appearing to change suddenly, claiming he went from being friendly to becoming enraged.Jonathan Cahn recalls alleged confrontationAccording to Cahn, their conversation touched on “the reality of the real power of god on Earth and in our lives,” after which Lundeen allegedly became angry.Cahn claimed Lundeen began cursing and making statements against Jesus and God, saying, “It’s all bulls–t. Jesus is bulls–t.”During his court appearance, Lundeen reportedly said the only thing he remembered was speaking with the man seated next to him.The episode also had professional consequences for Lundeen. The Arizona realtor was reportedly let go by Tucson-based Long Realty Company after footage and accounts of the incident went viral.Lundeen released ahead of October hearingLundeen was released on his own recognizance following the hearing, according to The Banner. He was ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs, apart from prescribed medications.As the hearing ended, Lundeen asked Haag how far he was from New York City.“That depends on mode of transportation and traffic,” the commissioner replied, adding that it would be at least a few hours.Lundeen's next court appearance in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County in Glen Burnie is scheduled for October 19.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.