In a dramatic turn of events, a regional flight from Savannah, Georgia to Miami was forced to return to its departure point after an unsettling incident involving a passenger. According to court documents, this individual assaulted a flight attendant, aggressively targeted a fellow passenger’s seat, and ingested rosary beads, all before the plane could make it to its destination.
The passenger, accompanied by his sister, reportedly warned her to “close her eyes and pray because Satan’s disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane,” as stated in an affidavit by an FBI agent. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries on the ill-fated Monday night flight, which was operated by Envoy Air, a branch under American Airlines. The 31-year-old man now faces multiple charges, including misdemeanor battery, obstruction of police, and felony criminal property damage.
This violent outburst was detailed by FBI Agent Savannah Solomon, who cited probable cause for federal charges relating to interference with a flight crew. The affidavit noted that the situation escalated mere minutes after takeoff, with the passenger exhibiting epileptic-like behavior characterized by erratic stomping, yelling, and shaking.
Upon attempting to calm him, a flight attendant was met with aggression. The man kicked the attendant in the chest, propelling the worker into a window aisle. Following this, the disruptive passenger proceeded to attack the seat of another traveler, causing the seat to give way after the passenger wisely shifted out of harm’s reach.
In response to the escalating situation, the pilot opted for an emergency return to Savannah airport. Once the plane was grounded, the man continued his aggressive behavior, attempting to reach the exit and striking another flight attendant before finally being subdued by fellow passengers.
A subsequent arrest was made by airport police officers who later transported the man to a local medical facility. There, the peculiar ingestion of rosary beads was addressed before he was remanded into custody at the Chatham County jail. Current court and jail records do not indicate attorney representation for the accused.
The man’s sister, offering insight to the FBI, explained their trip to Haiti was motivated by an escape from “religious attacks of a spiritual nature.” She clarified her brother’s actions as part of a spiritual warfare belief, wherein swallowing rosary beads was deemed an act of fortification. Notably, she dismissed any notions of her brother facing mental health issues or medical conditions.