Passenger Charged After Violent Incident on United Airlines Flight

A Washington, D.C. man faces federal charges for threatening and assaulting flight crew members during a June flight to Newark.

Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, allegedly removed his shirt and pinned a flight attendant against the aircraft exit door while shouting threats of violence.
The incident occurred on a United Airlines flight from Houston to Newark on June 12, 2024, shortly before landing.
Damtew also reportedly punched an aircraft oven, threw water at a flight attendant, and followed her to the back of the plane while continuing to shout threats.
Passengers assisted flight crew in restraining Damtew with flex cuffs after a public address system request for help.
If convicted, Damtew faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for interference with flight crew members by assault or intimidation.