A United Airlines flight traveling from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City was forced to divert to Omaha after a passenger became violent, assaulted flight attendants and another traveler, and repeatedly shouted that the flight was a “simulation,” according to federal authorities. The disruption has resulted in serious federal charges carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, highlighting the severe legal consequences tied to in-flight interference.
The incident occurred on United Airlines Flight 2410, operated by a Boeing 737, on December 28, 2025. The aircraft departed Washington Dulles International Airport at approximately 6:15 p.m. en route to Salt Lake City International Airport. What began as a routine domestic flight quickly escalated into a security emergency shortly after takeoff.
Initial Confrontation in the Cabin
According to witness statements, passenger Jordan Robert Langston of Ogden, Utah, stood up from his seat and approached a flight attendant near the front of the aircraft. Langston raised his hands above his head and repeatedly screamed, “This is a simulation.” When the flight attendant asked him to explain what he meant, Langston responded, “This flight.”
Langston then walked toward the rear of the cabin, where he confronted another flight attendant. He stepped on the crew member’s foot and pushed her in the chest. As the flight attendant attempted to move him away from the aisle, Langston pushed her in the chest a second time and stated that he needed to get off the plane.
Crew Response and Threat Assessment
Flight attendants warned Langston that continued unruly behavior would result in a diversion and instructed him to return to his seat. He initially paced the aisle before eventually sitting down. In response to the escalating situation, the crew enlisted the assistance of four passengers designated under United Airlines procedures as Able-Bodied Assistants (ASAs).
These ASAs agreed to sit near Langston and intervene if his behavior escalated again. The pilots classified the situation as a Level 2 threat, a designation used in aviation to indicate physically abusive behavior. Given Langston’s temporary calm and the presence of the ASAs, the flight crew made the decision to continue toward Salt Lake City.
Understanding Airline Threat Levels
Airlines worldwide rely on standardized threat classifications to ensure consistent communication among flight crews, pilots, air traffic control, and law enforcement. Level 1 incidents involve disruptive behavior such as verbal abuse or refusal to comply with instructions. Level 2 incidents include physical contact such as pushing, hitting, or spitting. Level 3 involves life-threatening behavior, often including weapons, while Level 4 refers to an actual or attempted breach of the cockpit.
Langston’s actions met the criteria for a Level 2 incident and were later escalated after further violence occurred onboard.
Assault on Passenger Triggers Emergency Landing
Approximately 30 minutes later, Langston told one of the ASAs that he wanted to stand up. After being informed that the pilots required him to remain seated, Langston forcibly stood and entered the aisle. Witnesses reported that he began jumping up and down and shadow boxing before striking one ASA in the face.
Flight attendants and assisting passengers immediately intervened, restraining Langston and moving him to the rear of the aircraft. Plastic flex restraints were applied as Langston continued screaming and shouting about death. At that point, the pilots declared an emergency and diverted the aircraft to Omaha Eppley Airfield.
Upon landing, Langston was taken into custody by law enforcement without further incident.
Federal Charges and Potential Penalties
Langston has been charged with one count of interference with flight crew members, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000. While the statute allows for significant punishment, aviation law experts note that maximum sentences are rarely imposed.
In many cases, defendants convicted of this offense receive sentences of several months in prison and are ordered to pay restitution to airlines to cover costs associated with emergency diversions and operational disruptions. Given the nature of Langston’s behavior, the legal process may also involve evaluations related to mental health or substance abuse.
The case underscores the zero-tolerance approach airlines and federal authorities take toward in-flight violence, particularly incidents that jeopardize passenger safety and disrupt flight operations.
