Passenger restrained on American Airlines flight faces federal indictment

A man who was restrained with duct tape during an American Airlines flight has been indicted on federal charges. Paddley Too and FOX 5 DC reported that Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, was charged with interference with crew members following an incident aboard a flight from Dallas Fort Worth to Newark on September 3, 2026. [1][12]

According to reports by Paddley Too, Aviation A2Z, and Newsweek, the charges brought against Lundeen carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment. Photographs of the passenger duct-taped to a First Class seat were widely shared on the internet following the violent outburst, as Paddley Too reported. [1][9][11]

Additional reporting from WBAL-TV and FOX 5 DC confirmed that federal authorities brought the indictment against the passenger for assault and interference during the flight. Restraining passengers with duct tape is an emergency measure utilized by flight crews when an individual becomes disruptive or violent during a trip. [1][10][12]

Federal law strictly prohibits interference with flight crew members and attendants. The legal proceedings against Lundeen will continue in federal court, where he faces the potential prison sentence if convicted on the charge. [1][9][11]