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FBI Arrests Texas Man for Alleged Assault on American Airlines Flight
In a disturbing incident aboard an American Airlines flight from Wichita to Washington Reagan National Airport, a Texas man has been arrested after allegedly attacking fellow passengers and threatening a flight attendant. This event took place on March 5, just over a month after a tragic crash involving an American Airlines flight on the same route.
Asterius Rulamka, who was seated in the 14th row, reportedly stood up shortly before landing and threatened a flight attendant with violent intentions. According to an FBI affidavit, Rulamka warned the attendant that he would “f— him up upon landing.” After the flight landed, Rulamka made references to President Trump during an FBI interview, adding an unsettling layer to the situation.
The affidavit indicated that several passengers began recording Rulamka’s aggressive behavior on their cell phones as it unfolded. As he approached one of the individuals filming, he allegedly assaulted him, grabbing his arms and threatening him verbally. Reports state that Rulamka struck this passenger in the face, resulting in visible injuries such as bruising and a bloodshot eye.
In addition to this assault, witnesses stated that Rulamka attempted to confront a second passenger but was avoided thanks to the latter’s quick reaction. Unfortunately, during this altercation, the second victim sustained a cut to his finger and damaged a fingernail.
This unsettling incident happened on American Eagle flight 5574 just before 9 p.m.—remarkably close in timing to the earlier crash that occurred on a different American Airlines flight from Wichita to Reagan National five weeks prior. An American Airlines spokesperson expressed their commitment to passenger safety, stating, “We do not tolerate violence, and thank our team members for their professionalism.”
Charging documents described Rulamka as having run up and down the aisle during the flight, causing further chaos. It reportedly required the efforts of three passengers along with flight attendants to restrain him in his seat before the aircraft reached the ground.
Upon arrival, Rulamka made statements suggesting he traveled to Washington, D.C., with intentions to speak to President Trump, explaining that he was “mad” without providing further clarity on his motives.
Rulamka, currently in custody, faces a federal assault charge and is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. This hearing will determine whether he will maintain detention pending trial. As of now, court records do not reflect any plea entered by Rulamka, and attempts to contact his defense attorney for comments were unsuccessful.
The FBI has refrained from commenting on this ongoing investigation. Each of the agency’s local field offices are equipped with airport liaison agents tasked with addressing crimes occurring on commercial flights, including assaults, highlighting the seriousness with which such matters are treated.
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Scott MacFarlane is CBS News’ Justice correspondent, recognized for two decades of coverage in Washington and recipient of multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards. His diligent reporting has been influential in the passage of five new laws.
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