Seatmate of Man Who Was Duct-Taped on Flight Says He Was Put in a Chokehold amid Violent Outburst (Exclusive)

**Dramatic Incident on American Airlines Flight: Author Jonathan Cahn Describes Assault by Passenger**

In a shocking incident on September 3, a flight from Dallas to New Jersey became the scene of chaos when Layne Arthur Lundeen allegedly attacked fellow passengers and crew. The event unfolded aboard American Airlines flight 618, leading to Lundeen being restrained with duct tape as the aircraft made an emergency landing in Baltimore.

Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic rabbi and author, was seated next to Lundeen and witnessed the events first-hand. According to Cahn, the flight started off on a friendly note when he began chatting with the 67-year-old just before takeoff. Cahn described the initial interaction as pleasant, with no warning signs of the turmoil that would soon erupt.

The situation took a drastic turn when the topic of faith was raised during their conversation. Cahn reported that when he identified himself as a minister, Lundeen reacted negatively, quickly transitioning from friendliness to aggression. “I could see his face change; everything about him shifted,” Cahn recalled, noting that Lundeen started to use vulgar language and curse loudly, prompting a flight attendant to intervene.

While attempting to focus on his laptop, Cahn experienced an issue with the screen, which had been malfunctioning in the days prior. Allegedly, Lundeen interfered with the device, which Cahn claimed exacerbated the problem. It was at this point that the confrontation escalated dangerously.

In a distressing statement, Cahn detailed his experience of being “choked” by Lundeen. “He puts his hands around my neck, like he’s choking me,” he described, emphasising that although he was not actually being choked, Lundeen mimicked the actions with a sense of amusement. The attack left Cahn alarmed and struggling to defend himself.

The situation further deteriorated when Lundeen spotted the cover of Cahn’s latest book, *The Altar of Pergamon*, on the screen. His reaction was immediate and aggressive, as he reportedly threatened Cahn’s safety with profane remarks, including a direct threat to “punch [his] Jewish face in.” This confrontation culminated in a physical struggle for Cahn’s laptop, resulting in him sustaining an arm injury.

Witness accounts from other passengers indicate that chaos quickly enveloped the cabin. Juan Mejia, who intervened during the incident, described the moment as shifting abruptly from calm to frantic. In the chaos, Lundeen allegedly directed racist slurs toward a flight attendant and physically assaulted those trying to assist Cahn.

Reports indicate that it took several passengers to restrain Lundeen, who was ultimately secured in his seat using duct tape and zip ties. This realisation prompted an emergency landing in Maryland, where law enforcement and paramedics were waiting. Upon landing, it was revealed that Lundeen had inflicted self-harm during the altercation and was treated for an open wound on his arm.

The aftermath of the incident has seen Lundeen facing charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct in Maryland. Additionally, the FBI has indicated that they are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the emergency landing to assess whether federal charges will be necessary.

As a result of his actions, Lundeen has lost his position at Long Realty in Tucson, Arizona, where he served as a vice president and real estate agent. The agency confirmed that their relationship with him has been terminated following the incident.

Cahn, who gained some notoriety as a “celebrity pastor” and an author of multiple books on biblical prophecies, stated that the flight’s other passengers were left in shock after the experience. “People were stunned,” he recalled, reflecting on the harrowing events that unfolded during the flight. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a journey can take a turn for the worse, leaving those involved forever changed.

As the situation continues to develop, the aviation industry awaits further details from the ongoing investigation, while many are left contemplating the unpredictable nature of air travel safety.