A Maryland man has been banned from flying with United Airlines after he was seen punching a gate agent in the face in a viral video, according to authorities.

On Thursday, March 13, around 5:30 p.m. local time, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority responded to an incident at Gate D12 at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, “where a passenger punched a United Airlines gate agent,” the agency said in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Friday, March 14.

The passenger was identified as Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, of Frederick, Md. He was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. The agent who was assaulted was taken to a local hospital by the Airports Authority’s fire and rescue department, where he received treatment. Authorities did not disclose his name.

Washington Dulles International Airport.
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In the four-second clip, a man is seen approaching the agent as other passengers disembark at the gate. The man then quickly punches the agent in the face as he collapses on the floor. Bystanders are heard gasping and expressing shock before the video abruptly ends.

“The passenger involved has been banned from future travel on United,” the airline told PEOPLE in a statement on Friday, March 14.

Authorities have not confirmed what led to the incident, however, witnesses told WUSA9 that it occurred after a flight was canceled. The flight at D12 was said to be fully booked. The agent was trying to stop the passenger from getting closer to the gate, as the passenger said, “I’m done with this bulls—,” before throwing the punch, witnesses said.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers demanded higher protections for airline staff following the incident.

“Our members deserve a workplace where they can focus on providing excellent customer service—not one where they fear being attacked by passengers. This latest incident is yet another example of the unacceptable rise in violence against frontline airline workers, and immediate action is needed to address it,” the IAM Union stated.

“Across the country, airline customer service representatives continue to face physical assaults, including being punched, kicked, struck by thrown luggage, and having their clothing ripped. Some of these attacks have resulted in life-altering injuries.”

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The union, which represents over 100,000 airline employees, noted that the staff is already under immense pressure, and should not have to “endure the constant threat of abuse and physical harm from unruly passengers.”

“Despite the rise in violent incidents over the past several years, there have been minimal legal repercussions for offending passengers,” the IAM continued, later adding, “As long as these violent incidents persist, the IAM will not stop advocating for real enforcement of laws that protect airline employees.”

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