Overview

• Julius Jordan Priester, 24, allegedly removed his shirt midflight, shouted “Help me” and forced a flight attendant to the cabin floor during American Airlines Flight 3359.
• The pilot declared an emergency and redirected the Chicago-bound flight back to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, where state police officers removed Priester.
• Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint charging Priester with interference with flight crew members, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.
• Priester appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish on May 28 and remains detained ahead of his scheduled bond hearing.
• The FBI, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police, is investigating the incident as reports of unruly passenger behavior continue to rise