Washington, D.C. – A Texas man was taken into custody after allegedly attacking a flight attendant and a fellow passenger mid-flight earlier this month. The incident, which took place aboard an American Airlines flight, was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), leading to his immediate arrest upon landing.
According to officials, the disturbance happened on March 5 during a flight from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. Around 9:00 p.m., authorities at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority were notified of the chaos unfolding in the cabin. The suspect, identified as Asterius Mutayoba Rulamka, reportedly left his assigned seat and moved toward the back of the aircraft, where he engaged with a flight attendant.
Tense Moments Caught on Camera
Passengers on board quickly took out their phones and began recording as Rulamka’s behavior escalated. Reports state that he started yelling profanities at a crew member, and when he noticed a passenger filming the incident, he lashed out.
According to an FBI affidavit, Rulamka allegedly grabbed the passenger’s arms, verbally abused him, and even removed his hat and glasses before striking him in the face. The attack resulted in visible injuries, including bruising and a bloodshot eye.
He didn’t stop there. The affidavit further states that Rulamka attempted to hit the flight attendant but missed. However, the crew member still suffered a minor injury—sustaining a cut and a broken fingernail in the scuffle.
Flight Crew and Passengers Step In
As tensions soared, Rulamka reportedly ran up and down the aisles in a frenzy. It took a team effort from both passengers and flight attendants to finally restrain him. He was secured in a seat near his original spot until the plane safely landed at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Authorities say that during the flight’s final moments, the suspect made several concerning statements, including that he had come to Washington, D.C., specifically to meet former President Donald Trump. When asked about his reasons, Rulamka allegedly responded that he was “mad.”
Legal Action and Investigation Underway
Law enforcement officials later discovered that Rulamka holds a Texas driver’s license. However, a background check revealed that the Department of Homeland Security had encountered him in 2014 due to an immigration overstay, and legal proceedings were still pending.
American Airlines released a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing its commitment to safety:
“We do not tolerate violence and appreciate our team members for handling the situation with professionalism.”
Rulamka now faces charges under federal law for “assault by beating, striking, and wounding” under Title 18, United States Code, Section 113(a)(4). His court hearing has been scheduled for March 13, where further legal actions will be determined.
More Than Just an Isolated Incident
Disruptive passenger behavior on flights has been on the rise, with airlines increasingly dealing with similar cases. Authorities continue to stress the importance of maintaining in-flight safety and taking immediate action against those who jeopardize it.
As the case unfolds, many are left wondering what led to Rulamka’s aggressive actions—and whether stricter security measures could help prevent such incidents in the future.
