A United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., was disrupted by a violent incident involving a Florida man, identified as 34-year-old Kevin Rhodes. Rhodes allegedly began verbally harassing and then physically assaulting passengers mid-flight, causing panic among those onboard. Witnesses reported that shortly after takeoff, Rhodes appeared visibly agitated and was pacing up and down the aisle. His behavior quickly escalated when he began shouting obscenities and making threats toward other passengers and crew members.
At one point, Rhodes allegedly struck a passenger seated nearby, prompting a quick response from the flight attendants who attempted to calm the situation. Several passengers, concerned for their safety, joined the effort to restrain him. The struggle caused minor injuries to some involved. Reports indicate Rhodes was eventually subdued and restrained with the help of zip-tie handcuffs provided by the flight crew.
The disturbance forced the pilot to divert the plane, making an unscheduled landing in Denver, Colorado, where local law enforcement and the FBI were waiting. Authorities took Rhodes into custody immediately upon landing, and he now faces multiple charges, including assault and endangering the safety of an aircraft.
Passengers praised the crew and fellow travelers for their quick action and courage, emphasizing that their cooperation likely prevented a more severe outcome. United Airlines released a statement apologizing for the disruption and assuring that passenger safety is their top priority.
The incident has drawn attention to the rise in unruly passenger behavior, with airlines and officials calling for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties to deter similar inc
idents.