An irate United Airlines passenger knocked out a gate attendant at Washington DC-area airport, hospitalizing the employee and earning himself a one-way ticket to the airline’s blacklist.
Maryland resident Christopher Stuart Crittenden was embroiled in a 15-minute tirade with the gate agents at Dulles International on Thursday night when his flight was allegedly canceled and another fully booked, WUSA reported.
Crittenden, 54, attempted to walk onto the jet bridge at Gate D12 inside the Washington DC airport as arriving passengers were departing a flight.
The unidentified employee blocked the man, who was carrying a bag over his shoulder and wearing a backpack, from accessing the restricted area.
“I’m done with this bullsh–t,” Crittenden shouted, according to video obtained by the outlet.
Crittenden then hurled back his right arm before releasing a hefty blow.
The airline worker was hit on the left side of the face before going limp and falling to the ground in front of other horrified passengers.
Airport officials later transported the employee to a local hospital.
Crittenden was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced.
Officials allege that Crittenden was also drunk during the assault, Fox 5 DC reported.
Photos obtained by TMZ captured airport security standing over a handcuffed Crittenden, who was sitting on the ground near the gate.
“United sucks,” Crittenden shouted as he was ushered away from the area, according to the outlet.
A fellow traveler claimed Crittenden had booked a spot on a third flight, but was already upset with his travel ordeal.
The airport menace was also banned from all future flights with United.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Works Union (IAM) called for stricter enforcement of the law pertaining to violent acts towards airport employees.
IAM said its members should be provided a work environment where they don’t have to fear for their safety while
“Our members deserve a workplace where they can focus on providing excellent customer service—not one where they fear being attacked by passengers. This latest incident is yet another example of the unacceptable rise in violence against frontline airline workers, and immediate action is needed to address it,” IAM said Friday.
The union claimed violence against airline workers has been on the rise, with “minimal repercussions” for the suspects.
“Any disruptive behavior—whether due to intoxication, aggression, or other factors—introduces unnecessary risks to airline operations. The Department of Justice has the authority to take action, and we urge immediate enforcement of existing statutes to deter future assaults.
The Post has reached out to United and the MWAA.
