US man duct-taped to seat after attacking passenger mid-flight, hurling racial abuse

An allegedly disruptive passenger was duct-taped to a passenger seat on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark that made an unexpected stop in Baltimore late Thursday.A photo shared by one of the passengers showed the man had multiple loops of tape around his wrists, torso and head.About two hours into the flight, witnesses told CBS News how the situation suddenly escalated, with the passenger allegedly yelling and attacking the man seated next to him by grabbing his neck.Two passengers, including retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, intervened to restrain him. With the help of a flight attendant, they used zip ties and duct tape to secure the passenger to his seat.Witnesses also alleged that the passenger hurled a racial slur and homophobic remarks at a flight attendant when she attempted to calm the situation. He later became violent, prompting the crew to restrain him and divert the flight to Baltimore.In Baltimore, he was reportedly removed by law enforcement, after which the flight continued to Newark.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.