Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Intervenes in Violent Incident Before Takeoff

A male passenger was restrained after grabbing a woman's hair, prompting a flight attendant to take physical action to ensure passenger safety.

The incident occurred on Alaska Airlines Flight 2221 from Oakland to Portland on February 1, 2025, before takeoff.
A male passenger, described as experiencing a 'violent medical episode,' grabbed a female passenger's hair and refused to let go.
A flight attendant intervened by striking the man in the throat and chest to free the woman and called for assistance from other passengers.
The unruly passenger was restrained until law enforcement arrived; he was arrested and has been permanently banned from Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.
The flight was canceled after returning to the gate, with Alaska Airlines commending the crew for their swift actions to ensure safety.