A Black Delta flight attendant is being lauded for his heroics after he restrained a passenger from trying to force his way into the cockpit during a flight from Los Angeles to Nashville on Friday.
According to The Hill, the incident occurred after the plane had departed the Los Angeles International Airport. While in the air, a passenger made his way to the cockpit door and proceeded to hit it while shouting, “Stop the plane.”
In the video of the incident that was shared by another passenger on the plane, the flight attendant, identified as Christopher Williams, is seen with other crew members and passengers restraining the man after he’s blocked from entering the cockpit. While being held, the man is heard repeatedly asking for the plane to be stopped. He’s subsequently zip-tied and taken away from the cockpit.
The frightening disturbance resulted in the flight being diverted to Albuquerque for an emergency landing, CBS Los Angeles reported. The unidentified man was apprehended by law enforcement after the plane touched down.
This was our view from the 3rd row right after the @Delta attendants and passengers apprehended the person who attempted to get into the cockpit. He was screaming “Stop the plane.” pic.twitter.com/8CG7zNFpTq
— Jessica Robertson (@jesscribe) June 4, 2021
“Thanks to the crew and passengers of Delta Flight 386, LAX to Nashville (BNA), who assisted in detaining an unruly passenger as the flight diverted to Albuquerque (ABQ),” Delta said in a statement. “The aircraft landed without incident and the passenger was removed by law enforcement.”
Following the incident, a passenger on the plane praised Williams for acting fast and making sure the passenger did not breach the cockpit. “I was on this flight in the 3rd row – witness to everything. Terrifying but our @Delta flight attendant Christopher Williams acted quickly,” the passenger posted on Twitter. “So did several passengers around me. Safe but still in Albuquerque. Hope @delta gives Chris every bit of recognition and bonus he deserves.”
Other users on the social media platform also lauded Williams for his action and called on the airline to reward him. “@Delta this man needs an award.. just saved the plane. LA flight to Nashville..” a user posted alongside a photo of Williams seated with his head crouched.
Another user also wrote: “Props and respect to the @Delta flight attendant Christopher Williams who stopped an attempted hijacking of a plane. He apprehended and hog tied the deranged passenger attempting to breach the cockpit. Delta please give this man an award, promotion, and bonus.”
“True hero in the skies. Christopher Williams, a flight attendant for Delta, stops a passenger from entering the cockpit,” another user tweeted. “FAs are there to protect the passengers and plane, not just to serve drinks!”
