Jonathan Cahn says a book-cover discussion triggered his seatmate’s alleged outburst before passengers restrained the man aboard a Newark-bound American Airlines flight.
The New York Post reported that passengers secured Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, with duct tape and plastic zip ties during the Sept. 3 flight. The plane made an emergency landing in Baltimore.
Lundeen faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, the Post reported. The FBI was conducting interviews and discussing possible federal charges with Maryland federal prosecutors.
Cahn, an author who leads the Beth Israel Worship Center in Wayne, New Jersey, identified himself as the passenger involved in the confrontation. He later gave his account in a YouTube video.
Cahn said he and Lundeen had spoken about religion before the alleged disturbance. He claimed the cover of his newest novel “triggered” Lundeen, though the account did not establish that as a confirmed motive.
In an account published by the New York Post, Cahn described a sudden shift in Lundeen’s behavior.
“I have never seen someone change in a split second from light to dark as I saw then, as if something had taken him over.”
Cahn said he had referenced “the reality of the real power of god on Earth and in our lives.” He alleged that Lundeen then began “cursing Jesus” and “blaspheming Jesus and God.”
Cahn also accused Lundeen of using racist and homophobic slurs. The specific language and circumstances behind those allegations were not detailed.
During the confrontation, Cahn alleged that Lundeen struck his laptop and tried to take it. The laptop screen was damaged, the Post reported.
Cahn said he was the previously unidentified passenger at the center of the struggle.
“I was the unidentified passenger and I was actually attacked, 30,000 feet in the sky. I was attacked on that plane.”
The dispute continued as the pilot sought an emergency landing, Cahn said. Passengers intervened and restrained Lundeen in his seat with duct tape and plastic zip ties.
Cahn described the cabin’s response while he struggled over the computer.
“The plane is in shock, the pilot is radioing the ground, for an emergency landing. We’re fighting over my computer.”
The American Airlines flight had been traveling to Newark before diverting to Baltimore. The flight number and departure airport were not identified.
No injuries were specified in the Post’s account. Cahn’s description also lacked stated independent corroboration, so his claims about the conversation and its trigger remain his account.
After the incident, Long Realty said Lundeen was no longer affiliated with the company. His biography page was also removed from its website.
The FBI continued interviewing people and consulting the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Post reported. It remained unclear whether prosecutors would bring federal charges.
The legal process must sort out the allegations and evidence. But basic order aboard a commercial flight is not optional, and those who break it should face lawful accountability.
