Ex-NFL Linebacker Intervenes: Tackles Unruly Passenger Yelling Racial Slurs and Breaking Restraints

Travelers rarely anticipate being embroiled in a delayed or diverted flight due to a passenger's erratic behavior. Yet, this scenario unfolded on a recent Breeze Airways journey from Norfolk, Virginia, to Los Angeles, which diverted to Grand Junction, Colorado, on August 13 due to an intoxicated individual's outburst. A disruptive passenger named David Leroy Carter, Jr., unleashed verbal and physical chaos, reportedly hurling racial slurs and brandishing a skateboard at crew members.Upon landing, local police intervened as airline personnel struggled to restrain Carter, who twice escaped from their grip. Witnesses described a fellow traveler, identified as Ray, stepping in to help, showcasing remarkable strength to subdue Carter effectively. This intervention was praised by passengers, some exclaiming gratitude for Ray's timely actions.Despite the tumult, authorities reported no physical assaults and evaluated a flight attendant and a passenger for minor injuries. With 1,007 unruly passenger incidents noted in 2025, such disruptions remain a concern in aviation safety. (Photo: TikTok/mysaltylove_)