Internet baffled as Chris Christie's niece Shannon Epstein faces new charges a year after airport incident

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Shannon Epstein, the niece of former New Jersey governor and one-time presidential hopeful Chris Christie, finds herself in legal trouble once again.

A year after her notorious Thanksgiving Day incident, where she was removed from a Spirit Airlines flight departing from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, new charges have been filed against the 26-year-old.

Charges filed against Shannon Epstein

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney filed charges on Monday, December 6, 2023, relating to the disturbing episode that occurred on November 24, 2022, as the Spirit Airlines flight was taxiing for takeoff.

Epstein faces one felony charge of resisting police by force or violence and two misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace by public intoxication, as reported by NOLA.com.

During the incident, Epstein allegedly instigated chaos by asking a nearby Latino family if they were "smuggling cocaine." Refusing to comply with officers' instructions, she shouted and resisted attempts to remove her from the jetway.

Officers reported that Epstein displayed "unusual strength" during the struggle, requiring additional measures to restrain her.

Epstein, seemingly invoking her famous political connections, reportedly screamed, "Are you serious? Do you know who I am? “I’m related to some very powerful people and I need to get back on that plane to New Jersey.'”

“Do you know who I am? I’m Chris Christie’s daughter and you’re so f**ked. You will lose your job over this s**t. I know Donald Trump,” she added.

She continued her tirade, making inappropriate remarks and alleging mistreatment by the police.

“By this time tomorrow, you will both be in jail. What the f**k did I do? I’m a lesbian. Is that it? Do you want to put your dick in me? That’s it, isn’t it? That’s what this is all about? You want to put your d**k in my mouth, don’t you? You’re so f**ked, you a**hole," she screamed.

The altercation escalated further as Epstein reportedly bit an officer's left bicep and scratched his leg. Despite officers eventually handcuffing her, she continued to resist, kick, and spit, prompting further charges, including six counts of battery on a police officer, three counts of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest by force.

When officers asked if she was aware of what was happening, she replied, “I’m very aware.” “Do you guys think I have cocaine in my p***y?” she then asked, per the report. “Wow, you guys like Chris Christie? He’s f***ing friends with f***ing Donald Trump,” she added.

Social media reactions

Following her arrest, social media users expressed their opinions on the delayed charges.

One user questioned, "Why did they wait a year?" while another commented, "They all think they're entitled and above the law." A lighter note was struck by someone who remarked, "On the bright side, she’ll never fly Spirit again."

Epstein was booked and released on the same day last year at Jefferson Parish Correctional Center after posting a $10,750 bond. The legal proceedings surrounding this incident continue to unfold as Epstein faces the consequences of her tumultuous actions on that fateful Thanksgiving Day.