A Breeze Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday after a passenger became violently disruptive mid-flight. According to airline officials, the man engaged in a physical and verbal altercation with other passengers and flight attendants, reportedly shouting racial slurs, swinging a skateboard, and striking individuals with his belt. Despite being restrained, he managed to break free—twice.
Flight MX704 had departed from Norfolk, Virginia, at 9:17 a.m. local time, en route to Los Angeles. About two hours into the flight, it was diverted to Grand Junction, Colorado, where the man was taken into custody. Authorities later identified him as 46-year-old David Leroy Carter of Los Angeles. Police said he was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. One passenger said the man was shouting profanities and racial slurs, particularly targeting people of color. Another recounted how a 6-foot-6 former high school football player ultimately subdued the man, lifting him “like a car seat,” a moment captured in a widely shared TikTok video.
Breeze Airways, which promotes itself as the “Seriously Nice” airline, reported no serious injuries but said one passenger and one crew member were treated for minor injuries. In a statement, the airline said its focus was on caring for the affected crew and passengers and ensuring they reached their destinations safely.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado is expected to file charges.
