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WASHINGTON- Federal authorities arrested a Texas man accused of violent behavior aboard an American Airlines (AA) flight from Wichita (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) on March 5, 2025.
The incident occurred exactly five weeks after a crash involving an American Airlines aircraft on the same route.
Photo: By Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America – brAAnd new E175 for AA, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43511870American Airlines Passenger Arrested
According to an FBI affidavit reviewed by CBS News, Asterius Rulamka allegedly rose from his seat in the 14th row as the aircraft approached landing and threatened a flight attendant with physical harm upon arrival. The confrontation prompted several passengers to begin recording the incident on their phones.
Charging documents state Rulamka then attacked a passenger who was filming, grabbing his arms and making verbal threats. During this altercation, Rulamka reportedly struck the passenger near his left eye, causing bruising and bloodshot injury.
The FBI affidavit further details that after repeatedly striking the first passenger, Rulamka attempted to assault a second passenger. Though this individual managed to avoid the direct blow, he sustained a cut finger and broken fingernail while evading the attack.
Authorities noted that during his post-flight FBI interview, Rulamka made references to President Trump.
Photo: NTSBOfficial Remarks
Justice Department records reveal the disturbance on American Eagle flight 5574 erupted just before 9 p.m., coinciding almost exactly with the time of a crash that occurred on another American Airlines flight from Wichita to Reagan National Airport five weeks earlier.
An American Airlines spokesperson addressed the incident in a statement to CBS News, saying, “We do not tolerate violence, and thank our team members for their professionalism.”
Court documents further allege Rulamka “started running up and down the cabin” during the incident. Three passengers and flight attendants ultimately restrained Rulamka in a seat near his original position before the aircraft landed.
The FBI affidavit notes Rulamka made several statements upon arrival, including claiming he had come to Washington D.C. to speak with President Trump. When investigators questioned his motives, Rulamka reportedly stated he was “mad.”
Court records indicate Rulamka faced an investigation for an immigration violation in 2014, with those proceedings still pending according to the affidavit.
Rulamka currently remains in custody facing a federal assault charge. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday, where a judge will determine whether he should remain detained pending trial.
The court docket for Rulamka’s case does not show he has entered a plea, and his defense attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CBS News.
The FBI declined to comment on the case. Each FBI field office maintains airport liaison agents who assist with investigations of crimes aboard commercial aircraft, including assault cases.
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