Fort Lauderdale International Airport was the scene of an insane incident on Tuesday night. Three female passengers, apparently upset that their Spirit Airlines flight was delayed, began behaving violently towards the gate agents, throwing shoes, fast food, and metal signs at the perplexed workers.
A massive overreaction
Chaos broke out at a Florida airport Tuesday night after a group of passengers appeared to somewhat overreact to the news of their delayed flight. The Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale International Airport was apparently heading to Philadelphia when it was announced that the flight had been delayed.
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Looking at the flight schedule, it seems that the A321 service NK1004 was delayed by around an hour and a half. It made up some of this time on route, landing only a little over an hour behind schedule. It’s not the worst delay we’ve ever seen, but for three female passengers, it appears to have been the end of the world.
Having heard from the gate agents that the flight would not be leaving at the expected time, the women reacted with what can only be described as unbridled rage. In shocking footage shared on social media, the three women launch a full-scale attack on the Spirit Airlines employees.
A delayed flight is no reason to assault anyone even if it’s spirit airlines. Now you got federal charges for what?? pic.twitter.com/AZHemGJT7P
— B. (@brilavie) July 15, 2020
After launching several items at the employees from behind the barrier, the women then break through the barricade and proceed to batter an airline employee. The three can be seen punching and kicking an employee on the ground, as other workers and fellow passengers attempt to pull them off.
The three passengers have been named as Tymaya Wright, 20, Danaysha Dixon, 22, and Keira Ferguson, 21. As you might expect, all three have been arrested and have been charged with touch or strike battery. Wright also faces a charge of theft, after allegedly taking one of the employee’s phones.
They seem unbothered. pic.twitter.com/beZwQcJtHL
— Creole Baskin🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 (@yyz_one) July 16, 2020
According to the arrest records as shared by Broward County Sheriff’s Office,
“The defendants intentionally struck the victims against their will with miscellaneous items, such as phones, shoes, full water bottles, metal boarding signs and fast food. The victims were also punched and kicked in different sections of their bodies numerous times by the listed defendants.”
The Sheriff’s Office says that investigations are ongoing, and that the women could face additional charges.
Employees praised
Spirit Airlines released a statement to media, praising its employees and condemning the actions of the passengers. The statement read,
“We thank our Team Members for their professionalism and quick actions, and we also thank the Broward Sheriff’s Office for their assistance at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport yesterday.
“Three Guests became combative following a delayed flight, and they were arrested for physically assaulting our Team Members. Three of our Team Members sustained minor injuries.
“This violent behavior is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in airports or any other place of business. We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind. Further questions about this incident should be referred to law enforcement.”
As for the Spirit employees, it doesn’t appear that any lasting damage was caused. However, nobody should be assaulted for simply doing their job, so we do hope these women end up on a no-fly list for life.