American Airlines flight diverted to Phoenix after passengers quarrel over racial slurs



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American Airlines plane

American Airlines Boeing 787-9 takes off from Los Angeles International Airport, California, January 13, 2021. AaronP / Bauer-Griffin / GC Images via Getty Images

  • Flight 776 between Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles had to be diverted to Phoenix.

  • Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, were told to stop using an insult from another passenger.

  • Both women were charged with disorderly conduct and Pichardo also faced an additional assault charge.

  • Visit Insider’s Business section for more stories.

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An American Airlines flight was hijacked after two women argued with another passenger over using a racial slur.

Flight 776 between Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and Los Angeles had to be diverted to Phoenix on Wednesday due to the incident.

Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, were told to stop using the term by another passenger, according to Phoenix police.

In a statement seen by NBC News, Sgt. Phoenix Police Mercedes Fortune said: Kelly Pichardo became upset and allegedly spat at the male passenger who asked her to stop using that language. “

“The male passenger then started recording the two women and that’s when Leeza Rodriguez slapped the man’s hand to prevent him from recording the incident.”

The two women were charged with disorderly conduct upon landing at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, where Pichardo also faced an additional assault charge, the Republic of Arizona reported.

American Airlines spokesman Derek Walls told the Arizona Republic, “Their behavior was disturbing and unacceptable, and they have been placed on our internal waste list pending further investigation.”

“We are continuing to investigate this incident and are working directly with affected customers to ensure their well-being. We thank our crew members for their professionalism in handling a difficult situation.

The flight continued over California without further problem.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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