{"id":85839,"date":"2025-03-11T12:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T06:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=85839"},"modified":"2025-03-11T12:10:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T06:40:07","slug":"fbi-arrest-american-airlines-passenger-on-washington-dc-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/11\/fbi-arrest-american-airlines-passenger-on-washington-dc-flight\/","title":{"rendered":"FBI Arrest American Airlines Passenger on Washington DC Flight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON-<\/strong> Federal authorities arrested a Texas man accused of violent behavior aboard an American Airlines (AA)<\/a> flight from Wichita (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) on March 5, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident occurred exactly five weeks after a crash involving an American Airlines aircraft on the same route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America – brAAnd new E175 for AA, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=43511870<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

American Airlines Passenger Arrested<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to an FBI affidavit reviewed by CBS News<\/a><\/em>, Asterius Rulamka allegedly rose from his seat in the 14th row as the aircraft approached landing and threatened a flight attendant with physical harm upon arrival. The confrontation prompted several passengers to begin recording the incident on their phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charging documents state Rulamka then attacked a passenger who was filming, grabbing his arms and making verbal threats. During this altercation, Rulamka reportedly struck the passenger near his left eye, causing bruising and bloodshot injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FBI affidavit further details that after repeatedly striking the first passenger, Rulamka attempted to assault a second passenger. Though this individual managed to avoid the direct blow, he sustained a cut finger and broken fingernail while evading the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities noted that during his post-flight FBI interview, Rulamka made references to President Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: NTSB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Official Remarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Justice Department records reveal the disturbance on American Eagle flight 5574<\/strong> erupted just before 9 p.m., coinciding almost exactly with the time of a crash that occurred on another American Airlines flight from Wichita to Reagan National Airport five weeks earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An American Airlines spokesperson addressed the incident in a statement to CBS News, saying, “We do not tolerate violence, and thank our team members for their professionalism.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Court documents further allege Rulamka “started running up and down the cabin” during the incident. Three passengers and flight attendants ultimately restrained Rulamka in a seat near his original position before the aircraft landed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FBI affidavit notes Rulamka made several statements upon arrival, including claiming he had come to Washington D.C. <\/a>to speak with President Trump. When investigators questioned his motives, Rulamka reportedly stated he was “mad.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Court records indicate Rulamka faced an investigation for an immigration violation in 2014, with those proceedings still pending according to the affidavit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rulamka currently remains in custody facing a federal assault charge. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday, where a judge will determine whether he should remain detained pending trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The court docket for Rulamka’s case does not show he has entered a plea, and his defense attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CBS News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FBI declined to comment on the case. Each FBI field office maintains airport liaison agents who assist with investigations of crimes aboard commercial aircraft, including assault cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two American Airlines Flight Attendants Injured Due to Severe Turbulence<\/a><\/blockquote>