Drunk passenger punches airport worker over canceled flight

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A shocking incident at Dulles International Airport led to a United Airlines gate attendant being hospitalized after a violent encounter with an enraged passenger. The altercation, which occurred on Thursday night, resulted in the passenger being permanently banned from the airline.

The confrontation began when Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, from Maryland, became increasingly agitated during a 15-minute argument with gate agents. The dispute arose after his flight was reportedly canceled and an alternative flight was fully booked.

The situation escalated when Crittenden attempted to access the jet bridge at Gate D12 while passengers were disembarking from another flight. When an airline employee prevented him from entering the restricted area, Crittenden exclaimed, “I’m done with this bullsh–t.”

👀🚨ICYMI: United Airlines Gate Agent Punched in the Face at Dulles Airport ✈️👊

Chaos at Dulles International Airport—a United Airlines gate agent was assaulted by 54-year-old Christopher Stuart Crittenden, who has since been arrested and charged with assault and disorderly… pic.twitter.com/tojHhT6M44

— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) March 15, 2025

The Maryland resident then unleashed a powerful punch, striking the employee on the left side of their face. The impact caused the worker to lose consciousness and collapse to the ground, shocking nearby passengers who witnessed the assault.

Following the incident, the injured employee required medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital. Airport authorities apprehended Crittenden, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time. He faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct.

As security personnel led away the handcuffed Crittenden, who was seated on the ground near the gate, he was heard shouting, “United sucks.” According to fellow passengers, Crittenden had secured a booking on a third flight but was already frustrated with his travel complications.

NEW: Man banned from United Airlines after knocking out a gate agent at Dulles Airport

Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct

Crittenden approached the gate agent during passenger deboarding and, after being blocked,… pic.twitter.com/qEhYKWG7wC

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 14, 2025

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Works Union (IAM) responded to the incident by demanding stronger enforcement of laws protecting airport employees. “Our members deserve a workplace where they can focus on providing excellent customer service—not one where they fear being attacked by passengers. This latest incident is yet another example of the unacceptable rise in violence against frontline airline workers, and immediate action is needed to address it,” IAM said.

The union highlighted the increasing trend of violence against airline staff, noting that perpetrators often face “minimal repercussions.” They emphasized that “Any disruptive behavior—whether due to intoxication, aggression, or other factors—introduces unnecessary risks to airline operations. The Department of Justice has the authority to take action, and we urge immediate enforcement of existing statutes to deter future assaults.”