According to authorities, a man was arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Tuesday after punching a Southwest Airlines gate agent.
Courtney Drummond can be seen in videos on social media ranting as he approaches a counter and punches an employee. Several employees are also seen intervening in the clip.
The Atlanta Police Department stated in a statement that Drummond refused to cooperate with airline staff when a Southwest aircraft was being taxied from the terminal to the tarmac.
Drummond was ordered to leave the flight after the aircraft was forced to go back to the gate because to his “aggressive behavior,” according to police.
“After Mr. Drummond was escorted off of the plane, he threatened a Southwest Gate agent several times and ultimately assaulted him,” police said.
Drummond was arrested and taken to the Clayton County Jail on charges of simple battery, battery, and obstruction.
“Southwest Airlines has zero tolerance for any type of assault against our Employees or Customers,” the statement said. “As a result of this inexcusable attack, the individual has been banned from flying with Southwest Airlines,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement.’
Southwest Airlines also praised and thanked law enforcement for their response, saying that their employees “responded to protect their colleagues during this unacceptable event.”
Gwendolyn Foster, Drummond’s mother, confirmed to CNN that her son is still in Georgia custody and apologized for the incident.
“My heart goes out to everyone, the staff at Southwest — they are in my prayers. I’m sorry this happened and this was caused by him,” Foster said. “He comes from a godly family. My husband is a pastor of a church here.”
Foster said the family is sorry and “very hurt” by the incident.
“I pray in due time that God will heal all wounds and let’s move forward and continue to love each other as God loves us,” Foster said.
Drummond is being held on three charges, according to the Clayton County Jail log, and his bonds total $10,000 plus $1,600 in fees.
