A flight landing in New Orleans on Wednesday afternoon quickly turned into a harrowing scene as airline passengers sprung into action to detain a man who held a sharp object against a flight attendant‘s neck, authorities reported. The suspect, identified as Nelson Montgomery, 39, had injured himself with a sharp object before threatening the female flight attendant, who sustained minor injuries.
The incident occurred aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 2432, traveling from Atlanta to New Orleans. Upon landing at Louis Armstrong International Airport, Montgomery was promptly taken into custody by local authorities, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Montgomery, a New Orleans resident, was charged with aggravated battery, simple battery, and disturbing the peace. The motive for his violent actions remains unclear. WVUE-TV reported that Montgomery appeared to be holding a shard of broken glass against the flight attendant’s neck and threatened harm if anyone approached.
The assaulted flight attendant, who suffered two superficial cuts, was treated at the scene. Meanwhile, Montgomery, who had a severe cut on his neck, was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. After receiving medical care, he was booked into the parish jail.
Delta Air Lines has firmly reiterated their stance on such incidents. “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior on our aircraft and in our airports,” a company spokesman said. “Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our people and our customers.”
The airline reported the plane was met by law enforcement due to a “reported customer issue.” While details of the incident are still under investigation, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks faced by airline crews, emphasizing the importance of passenger vigilance and cooperation.
The authorities are currently withholding any further details regarding the situation. However, this incident has sparked discussions about airline safety and the need for stricter rules and preventative measures to ensure the wellbeing of both the passengers and the crew.
