ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) removed a passenger from flight 2342 at New York (JFK) on October 22, 2026, after a disturbance at the gate. Port Authority officers arrested the man before the aircraft left for Atlanta (ATL).
Video posted online appears to show him making racist remarks and gun noises during his removal. Delta apologized to customers affected by the disturbance.
Passenger Removed From Delta Flight Before Departure
The incident happened on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at about 1:30 pm aboard Delta flight 2342 from New York to Atlanta.
The aircraft was at the gate and preparing for departure. Port Authority officers said Jerome Anixter, a 60 year old man from Brooklyn, appeared to be intoxicated. Officers took him off the plane, according to ABC7 New York.
Video posted online appears to show Anixter making racist remarks and gun noises while officers escort him through the cabin. He keeps speaking to the people around him as officers lead him off the plane.
He called out to people filming: “Put it on Instagram!”
A post on X by Shawn Wasson (@thenewsjunkie) alleges that the passenger screamed “death to America” and pretended to shoot other travelers.
A later post in the same thread quotes a tipster who says they were on the flight and describes yelling, threats, and gun noises.
The video appears to show the gun noises described in the posts. Early reports have not independently confirmed the “death to America” claim.
Charges Against the Arrested Passenger
Authorities charged Anixter with 4 offenses following the incident:
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting arrest
- Obstructing governmental administration
These charges following his arrest by Port Authority police. The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt. Any determination of criminal responsibility must follow the applicable legal process.
The available reporting does not establish what prompted the disturbance or whether the passenger displayed concerning behavior before boarding. Although police said he appeared intoxicated, that observation alone does not explain the incident or establish the full circumstances leading to his removal.
Delta’s Response
A Delta spokesperson thanked law enforcement and apologized to affected customers. The airline released this statement:
“Delta has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior, and we thank law enforcement for their assistance in removing this unruly customer. We apologize to the customers on Delta flight DL2342 for this experience and any delay in their travels.”
Delay and Impact on Passengers
The aircraft stayed at the gate during the removal, and the flight departed New York about 45 minutes behind schedule. The delay affected the 160 passengers and six crew members on board.
Authorities have not said what prompted the episode. Police said he appeared intoxicated, but that does not explain his conduct or show how he behaved before boarding.
The early reports also do not say who the assault charge involves, whether anyone was hurt, or when Anixter is due in court. Because the aircraft was still at the gate, officers removed him before departure.
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