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FAA Employee Charged Following Altercation at DCA Control Tower
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employee at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has been charged in connection with a workplace confrontation, officials have confirmed.
Thirty-eight-year-old Damon Marsalis Gaines from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, faces charges of assault and battery stemming from the incident. According to POLITICO, Gaines holds a position in controller operations.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) verified the occurrence to Fox News Digital, noting that the altercation took place within the airport’s control tower on a Thursday morning.
The FAA has also acknowledged the situation in a statement to Fox News Digital. A spokesperson indicated, “The employee is on administrative leave while we investigate the matter,” but details about the cause of the confrontation have not been disclosed.
Recent Safety Concerns at DCA
The incident comes amidst several notable events related to air traffic control at DCA. Not long ago, the airport was in the spotlight following a tragic January 29 collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. This incident has prompted increased scrutiny of the airport’s safety protocols and operational procedures.
A subsequent FAA report revealed that staffing levels in DCA’s air traffic control tower during that time were deemed unusual for both the hour and the traffic volume, raising further questions about operational safety.
In a separate incident, a United Airlines flight reportedly collided with a kite while attempting to land at DCA over the weekend. This event is not connected to the altercation involving Gaines.
As the investigation into the assault continues, authorities are focused on understanding the underlying circumstances of the incident. The FAA and other relevant agencies are expected to scrutinize the matter as they strive to ensure a safe working environment for all air traffic personnel.
Source
www.foxnews.com