Delta Passenger Arrested at JFK After Racist Outburst and Violent Struggle on Atlanta-Bound Flight
A 60-year-old traveler faces criminal charges after allegedly hurling racial slurs, shouting threats, and physically resisting Port Authority police officers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight at New York's JFK Airport. Video obtained by TMZ shows officers struggling to remove the passenger as onlookers watched the chaotic scene unfold.
A passenger aboard an Atlanta-bound Delta Air Lines flight was taken into custody at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport following an intense disturbance that included racial slurs, alleged threats, and a physical altercation with law enforcement, according to video and reporting published by TMZ.
The incident took place on October 22 while the aircraft was stationary at the gate preparing for departure to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. According to reporting from TMZ, airline personnel contacted authorities regarding a disruptive traveler who appeared to be intoxicated. Port Authority police subsequently boarded the plane to escort the individual off the aircraft.
Authorities identified the passenger as 60-year-old Jerome Anixter. Footage obtained by TMZ captures Anixter engaged in a physical struggle with two Port Authority police officers who were attempting to remove him from the cabin aisle. In the recording, Anixter can be heard shouting, "I'm f***ing strong! I'm strong as f***!" as officers worked to guide him toward the exit door.
During the encounter, an officer informed Anixter that his actions were not helping his situation, to which Anixter repeatedly yelled, "I love myself!" Surrounding travelers looked on in disbelief throughout the confrontation, ultimately breaking into applause once officers managed to escort him out through the aircraft door, as seen in the footage.
The newly circulated clip follows earlier video published by a fellow traveler showing Anixter using the n-word while being removed by officers, TMZ reported. Witnesses previously alleged that Anixter had shouted "death to America" and mimicked shooting at other passengers on board prior to his removal.
Port Authority police arrested Anixter on charges of assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration, according to TMZ's report on the law enforcement response.
Following the incident, a Delta spokesperson confirmed to TMZ that the airline has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior and expressed gratitude to law enforcement for intervening. The carrier also apologized to customers on the flight for the disruption and the resulting delay. Delta reported that the plane was carrying 160 passengers and six crew members, and the flight departed JFK roughly 45 minutes behind schedule.
Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed whether legal counsel has been retained for Anixter or if court dates have been scheduled.