‘Disturbed’ Man Attacks Passengers Midair Forcing Emergency Landing

A United Airlines flight traveling cross-country was forced to make an emergency landing in Omaha, Nebraska, after a chaotic midair disturbance allegedly triggered by a 25-year-old passenger who repeatedly shouted that the flight was “a simulation.”

According to airline officials, United flight 2410 was en route from Washington Dulles to Salt Lake City on Sunday, December 28, when the situation unfolded shortly after takeoff. The airline said the aircraft diverted to Omaha after a passenger became disruptive and interfered with the flight crew. Law enforcement met the plane at the gate, removed the passenger, and the flight later continued on to Utah that evening.

Federal court documents identify the passenger as Jordan Robert Langston. In an affidavit filed by FBI Special Agent Patrick Manion, investigators say Langston abruptly left his seat and approached a flight attendant near the front of the plane, waving his hands and declaring, “This is a simulation.”

When asked what he meant, Langston allegedly replied, “This flight,” before walking toward the back of the aircraft. Authorities say that once there, he pushed another flight attendant, stepped on their shoes, and insisted he needed to get off the plane.

Crew members warned Langston not to touch staff, telling him the flight would be diverted if the behavior continued. The captain was notified and issued a level-two security threat, which allowed the flight to continue under heightened precautions. Four able-bodied passengers were assigned to monitor the situation, with one seated next to Langston.

According to the affidavit, Langston continued repeating that the flight was a simulation. About 30 minutes later, he allegedly jumped to his feet, began hopping up and down, raised his fists, and “shadow boxed” before striking the assisting passenger in the face. That passenger then took Langston to the ground in the aisle.

With the help of other assistants and a flight attendant, Langston was restrained, cuffed, and moved to the back of the plane. Authorities say he began screaming and making comments about death while being held.

When the plane landed at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, airport police escorted Langston off the aircraft. He was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Corrections facility.

Court records show Langston has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, a federal offense. A U.S. magistrate judge ordered him held in custody on December 30, and a criminal deadline has been set for February 13. His attorney has not publicly commented on the case.