Duct-taped on a flight diverted to BWI, man says he doesn’t remember any of it

An American Airlines passenger who caused a flight to divert to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after police allege he spewed profanities and racial slurs said he drank two screwdrivers and doesn’t remember what happened.

Layne Lundeen was duct-taped to his seat and restrained with zip ties during the Sept. 3 flight from Dallas to Newark, New Jersey.

When speaking at his initial appearance the next day on charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, Lundeen said all he remembered was talking to the man seated next to him: Jonathan Cahn, a controversial Messianic rabbi and author.

The Banner obtained audio of the court proceeding.

“I don’t remember any of what happened,” Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, told District Court Commissioner George Haag from the Jennifer Road Detention Center.

Lundeen could not immediately be reached on Tuesday for comment, and no attorney for him was listed in court records.

At the beginning of the hearing, Haag advised Lundeen of the charges against him.

“I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says?” Lundeen said. “I don’t have my glasses.”

So Haag then read the accusations to him. “Oh my God. What a mess,” Lundeen said. “I don’t remember any of it.”

Witnesses reported that Lundeen “became increasingly unruly” on the flight, Maryland Transportation Authority Police assert, spewing profanities and racial slurs, waking up a sleeping passenger and asking another if she loved Jesus. As police escorted Lundeen off the plane after it landed at BWI, he hit an officer in the chest, they allege.

Lundeen reported that he worked for Long Realty as a managing partner.

In a statement on Facebook, Long Realty wrote that when the company learned of the allegations, it “promptly ended its affiliation with the individual.”

“The conduct described in the reports is wholly inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect for others that Long Realty expects from those affiliated with the company,” the statement continued. “We expect those associated with our company to uphold those values, and we have no tolerance for conduct that so clearly falls short of those expectations.”

Later, Haag asked, “What brings you to Maryland?”

“I came to New York City. I don’t know how I got to Maryland,” Lundeen replied. “I was supposed to land in New Jersey.”

He said he was flying to help one of his daughters move to a new apartment. Her birthday was also that Sunday.

“I got a double whammy for my trip,” he said. “Well, now, it’s a triple whammy.”

Haag released Lundeen on his own recognizance and ordered him to abstain from alcohol and drugs, except prescribed medication. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 19 in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County in Glen Burnie.

Before the hearing wrapped up, Haag told Lundeen, “You are in Annapolis right now. So you’re in the state capital.”

“How far am I from New York City?” Lundeen asked.

“That depends on mode of transportation and traffic,” Haag responded, “but at least a few hours.”