Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Flight Attendant on American Airlines Flight, DOJ Reports
FBI and DOJ investigate alleged assault on flight attendant prompting emergency landing and charges against Julius Jordan Priester.
A passenger traveling from Connecticut to Chicago was arrested and now faces federal charges following a violent incident aboard an American Airlines flight on Tuesday night, according to officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The passenger, identified as 24-year-old Julius Jordan Priester of Wichita, Kansas, is accused of attacking a flight attendant during the journey and has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants—a felony that can carry up to 20 years in prison.
The incident took place on American Airlines Flight 3359, which departed from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Court records reveal that mid-flight, Priester became agitated, removed his shirt, and sprinted toward the rear of the aircraft, reportedly yelling for help.
According to the DOJ, Priester then confronted a seated flight attendant, shouting, “You’re coming with me.” He forcefully pulled the attendant to the floor and allegedly tried to drag the crew member up the aisle. Other passengers onboard quickly intervened, returning Priester to his seat. Witnesses and authorities say he continued to display erratic behavior, speaking incoherently after the altercation.
The situation prompted the flight crew to declare an emergency. Online flight data shows that the plane, which had reached New York’s Finger Lakes region, reversed course and returned to Bradley International Airport. The aircraft landed safely just before 11 p.m., where law enforcement met it at the gate.
Priester was escorted off the plane by Connecticut State Police and taken to a local hospital for mental health evaluation. The FBI has since launched an investigation, with support from state police.
American Airlines issued a statement condemning violence against its staff and commended both passengers and crew for their quick response and professionalism during the crisis.
Priester made his initial court appearance in Hartford, Connecticut, on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish. He remains in federal custody pending a bond hearing set for Friday.
The case adds to renewed scrutiny of airline safety and the challenges posed by disruptive passenger behavior as travel volumes increase. Investigations into the motive behind Priester's actions are ongoing.
