DOJ charges Delta passenger with federal crimes after accusing him of punching a flight attendant and trying to breach the cockpit

  • A Delta Airlines passenger has been charged with federal crimes, per the DOJ.

  • The charges come several months after the passenger was accused of punching a flight attendant.

  • The 21-year-old suspect was also accused of trying to breach the cockpit.

A 21-year-old Delta Airlines passenger has been charged with two federal crimes for allegedly punching a flight attendant in the face and attempting to breach the cockpit, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

Ryan Cajimat traveled on a flight from Honolulu to Seattle on December 24, 2020, when he "became disruptive" and violent, a DOJ press release said.

Two hours before landing, Cajimat allegedly tried to open the cockpit door and fought with flight attendants who attempted to stop him. He was also accused of punching one of the flight attendants in the face twice.

Cajimat was restrained for the rest of the flight and removed from the plane on arrival in Seattle, according to the DOJ.

Delta Airlines banned the passenger from further travel on that airline, following the incident. The airline did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Cajimat was charged with interference with flight crew members, as well as assault within a special aircraft under US authority.

He is scheduled to appear for arraignment on November 18.

In recent months, airline crew members have reported multiple disruptive and violent incidents. In May, a video emerged showing the moment a Southwest Airlines passenger punched a flight attendant in the face, knocking two of her teeth out.

This month, a maskless United Airlines passenger was kicked off his flight after threatening to break another passenger's neck.

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