American Airlines flight turned around after passenger allegedly attacked crew member, swallowed rosary beads

A Florida-bound flight was forced to make an unexpected return to Georgia on Monday evening after a chaotic incident unfolded on board. The trouble began just moments after takeoff when a passenger, identified as Delange Augustin, 31, began exhibiting disturbing behavior. Witnesses described Augustin as “stomping, yelling incoherently, and shaking,” which initially led flight attendants to believe he might be experiencing a medical emergency. However, the situation quickly escalated when Augustin allegedly turned violent, kicking one of the flight attendants in the chest and later punching and kicking the seat of the passenger seated in front of him. As the pilots learned of the commotion from the cockpit, they made the decision to turn the plane around and head back to Savannah.

The affidavit filed in Georgia federal court provides a detailed account of the events that transpired during the ill-fated American Eagle flight 4162. Augustin and his sister, Medjina Augustin, were among the roughly eight passengers and five crew members on board the short flight from Savannah to Miami. After Augustin’s initial outburst, he briefly calmed down, but his aggression resurfaced once the plane began taxiing to the gate. In a shocking turn of events, Augustin allegedly stormed to the front of the plane, where he struck a flight attendant in the upper arm with wild punches. Three brave passengers intervened, holding Augustin and his sister to the ground until airport police arrived to subdue him. Augustin now faces charges of interfering with flight crew members, a serious federal offense.

What makes this incident even more bizarre is the explanation provided by Augustin’s sister, Medjina. According to the FBI special agent’s affidavit, Medjina claimed that she and her brother were traveling to Haiti “to flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature.” She reportedly told investigators that her brother’s actions were justified, stating, “He hurts evil.” Medjina explained that the plane was filled with an overwhelming sense of darkness that evening, and she was not surprised by her brother’s violent outburst because he was confronting the evil forces that followed them onto the flight. She even recalled her brother instructing her to close her eyes on the plane, warning her that Satan’s disciples had boarded the aircraft and were trying to prevent them from reaching Haiti. Medjina also mentioned that Augustin swallowed rosary beads, which she described as “a weapon of strength in spiritual warfare,” and insisted that her brother was not suffering from any medical or mental health issues.

The affidavit also reveals that Augustin’s erratic behavior continued even after the plane returned to Savannah. Despite instructions from the flight crew to remain seated, Augustin became agitated again and attempted to move to the front of the aircraft while holding onto his sister. It was at this point that he reportedly threw several “haymakers” in the galley area, striking one of the flight attendants. The passengers who restrained Augustin and his sister likely played a crucial role in preventing further violence, and their actions were commendable. After being subdued by airport police, Augustin was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being transferred to the Chatham County Detention Center. His sister’s statements suggest that the siblings believed they were engaged in some form of spiritual battle, but the physical harm caused by Augustin’s actions has left many questioning the validity of her claims and the mental state of the suspect.

American Airlines, the parent company of American Eagle, released a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and security. “Safety and security are our top priorities,” the company said. “We appreciate the professionalism of the entire crew and thank our passengers for their understanding.” While the incident underscores the challenges faced by flight crews in maintaining order on board, it also highlights the importance of passenger vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of all travelers. The airline’s statement serves as a reminder of the critical role that flight attendants and crew members play in managing such situations, often with little recognition for their efforts until incidents like this bring their work into the spotlight.

The case of Delange Augustin and his sister raises a number of questions about the intersection of mental health, religion, and air travel safety. While Medjina’s explanations for her brother’s behavior may seem far-fetched to some, they also suggest that the siblings may have been experiencing some form of psychological distress or delusional thinking. The fact that Augustin swallowed rosary beads further complicates the situation, as it indicates that he may have been in a state of significant agitation or spiraling mental health. Whether or not Augustin faces additional charges or undergoes further psychological evaluation, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the challenges of ensuring safety in confined spaces like airplanes.

In the end, the flight that was supposed to be a routine journey from Savannah to Miami turned into a harrowing ordeal for everyone on board. The actions of Delange Augustin not only disrupted the flight but also left a trail of physical and emotional harm in their wake. While the siblings’ reported beliefs about spiritual warfare may provide some context for their behavior, they do not excuse the violence that ensued. As the legal system processes Augustin’s case, it will be important to consider all possible factors, including his mental state, to determine the appropriate course of action. For now, the incident stands as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in maintaining safety in the skies.