Trump Supporters Cause Disturbance on Plane... Angry Pilot Threatens to "Throw Them Out"

Published 10 Jan.2021 13:50(KST)

Supporters of President Trump wearing 'MAGA' (Make America Great Again) hats worn backwards [Image source = Twitter capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Supporters of President Donald Trump, who stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC and caused violent clashes, caused a disturbance on their return flight by shouting "Fight for Trump" and "USA." The pilot eventually threatened, "I will divert the plane and leave the supporters behind."

On the 8th (local time), foreign media including the New York Post reported that Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol caused a commotion even on the return flight.

On that day, American Airlines Flight 1242, departing from Washington DC Reagan National Airport and arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona, was boarded by a group of Trump supporters returning after the Capitol attack.

The supporters, sitting in clusters, wore red "MAGA" (Make America Great Again) hats backward and repeatedly shouted "Fight for Trump" and "USA."

Their fervor did not subside easily. Despite the flight attendants' attempts to stop the disturbance, they continued to chant pro-Trump slogans. It was also reported that many refused to wear masks.

An angry pilot eventually made an announcement saying, "I will throw you out of the plane." The pilot threatened, "If President Donald Trump's supporters continue to act recklessly, I will divert the plane and abandon the supporters."

Passenger Mindy Robbins, who was on the flight, said, "The plane is full of patriots," adding, "They kept shouting 'USA,' and the pilot threatened to leave them in the middle of Kansas if they continued breaking the rules." In fact, the pilot broadcast a warning saying, "I will land the plane in the middle of Kansas and throw them out. I don't care."

The pilot repeatedly appealed, "Please behave politely," and thanks to this, the flight arrived at its destination without major issues. American Airlines stated, "Currently, there are no reported problems on the flight."

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump who occupied the U.S. Capitol on the 6th (local time) <br>[Image source = AFP Yonhap News]

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump who occupied the U.S. Capitol on the 6th (local time)
[Image source = AFP Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, on the 6th, protesters who gathered nationwide in Washington stormed the joint session of Congress confirming President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

The joint session was interrupted due to the protesters' intrusion, and Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the session, was escorted out of the Senate building by security. One female protester shot by police was critically injured and transported to a hospital but died, and three others also died due to medical emergencies, resulting in a total of four casualties.

Police authorities have announced that 52 protesters have been arrested so far. Four were arrested for carrying handguns without permission, and one was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon. The remaining 47 face charges including curfew violations and illegal trespassing.