Police arrested Christopher Crittenden, 54, after he allegedly assaulted a United Airlines gate agent at Dulles International Airport in the Washington DC-area, US
A raging traveller floored an airport gate attendant with a knockout punch. Christopher Crittenden, 54, from Maryland, US, has earned himself a lifetime no-fly zone from United Airlines after he went on the rampage at Dulles International near Washington DC.
Fuming because his initial flight was cancelled and the next one jam-packed, a witness claims Crittenden totally lost his rag when realising he had a seat on a third plane.
In a mad frenzy, he let rip on several staff members in a tense 15-minute standoff on Thursday evening (March 13). Trying to barge onto the jet bridge at Gate D12 while other passengers were getting off, Crittenden yelled out “I’m done with this bull****,” as a worker tried to stop him storming the off-limits spot.
He punched the employee right in the face, sending them tumbling to the deck, much to the horror of those watching, reports the Mirror. After the bust-up, the injured party reportedly went to hospital for treatment.
Crittenden was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. As he was led away by police, he allegedly shouted “united sucks”
According to Fox 5 DC, authorities claim he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Works Union (IAM) is demanding action against individuals who assault airport staff.
On Friday, a spokesperson stated: “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.
“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. These employees, who are already under immense stress as frontline workers, should not have to endure the constant threat of abuse and physical harm from unruly passengers. The increase in assaults-often involving intoxicated or belligerent individuals attempting to board aircraft-has created an unsafe work environment, and enforcement must be strengthened.
“Despite the rise in violent incidents over the past several years, there have been minimal legal repercussions for offending passengers. IAM leaders argue that these incidents endanger airline customer service representatives and pose risks to the safety of flight crews and passengers. Any disruptive behaviour-whether due to intoxication, aggression, or other factors-introduces unnecessary risks to airline operations. The Department of Justice has the authority to take action, and we urge immediate enforcement of existing statutes to deter future assaults.”
They continued: “As long as these violent incidents persist, the IAM will not stop advocating for real enforcement of laws that protect airline employees.”
The Daily Star has reached out to United Airlines for a response.