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While holiday travel went smoothly for most travelers and staff (more here), a pair of employees were assaulted in Miami International Airport (MIA) by a passenger who packed his medication for panic attacks in his checked bag. Without it, the man had a sudden outburst and attacked two American Airlines’ employees. One was hospitalized with permanent scarring to her face and head.
Bruno Luke Machiavelo, 29, was arrested on charges including aggravated battery, battery, disorderly conduct, and resisting an officer without violence during the November 27th incident. The American flight was preparing for departure when Machiavelo told a crew member that he needed his medication. It was in his checked bag and could not be retrieved. He reportedly told the crew member that he had “took planes down with panic attacks in the past.” They decided he was not fit to be on the flight bound for New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and that is when the chaos began. A manager boarded and told him he had to deplane.
NBC 6 is reporting that according to the police report, Machiavelo pushed the manager while screaming. They made their way to the jet bridge where he allegedly punched her in the face several times before throwing her to the floor. She struck her head on the jet bridge and had to be taken to be hospitalized. This reportedly has caused permanent scarring to her face and head. The passenger then ran from the jet bridge and pushed another gate agent. She fell and injured her hands. Other passengers subdued the man until authorities arrived. Machiavelo was then detained and taken to a local hospital.
American Airlines released the following statement:
Yesterday evening, law enforcement was requested at Miami International Airport due to a disturbance on the jetbridge where a customer physically assaulted a team member. Acts of violence against our colleagues are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation. Our thoughts are with our team member, and we are ensuring they have the support they need at this time.”
Anthony’s Take: Miami seems to be one of the airports with the most incidents. Mental health issues are real and unfortunately this passenger proved that. It’s awful that two employees got injured and one was left with permanent scarring.
(Image Credit: Miami Dade Police via NBC 6.)
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1 comment
I am really sad for the airline employees. I hope the assailant doesn’t get away with this for the reason of insanity. He needs to keep his meds with him, take them and not cause trouble, or he should be segregated from society.