Kansas Man Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Flight Attendant Mid-Flight; Plane Diverted Back to Bradley International Airport

A 24-year-old man from Wichita, Kansas, has been charged with assaulting a flight attendant aboard an American Airlines flight, leading to an emergency landing back at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

Julius Jordan Priester was aboard American Airlines Flight 3359, which departed Bradley International Airport at approximately 9:30 p.m. on May 27, 2025, en route to Chicago. About 30 to 60 minutes into the flight, Priester reportedly stood up, removed his shirt, and began running toward the rear of the aircraft while shouting, “Help me.” He then allegedly grabbed a seated flight attendant, shouted, “You’re coming with me,” and forcefully brought the attendant to the ground. Priester attempted to drag the attendant up the aisle before being restrained by fellow passengers. Despite being returned to his seat, Priester continued to act erratically and make incoherent statements. The captain declared an emergency, and the flight was diverted back to Bradley International Airport, where it landed safely.

Upon landing, Priester was removed from the aircraft by Connecticut State Police and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. He was subsequently arrested by the FBI and charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, a federal offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Priester appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and was detained pending a bond hearing scheduled for May 30, 2025.

American Airlines expressed its zero-tolerance policy for violence, stating, “We do not tolerate violence, and we thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their assistance.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Connecticut State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

This incident highlights the serious consequences of disruptive behavior aboard aircraft and underscores the importance of maintaining order and safety during flights.