Internet shocked as American Airlines passengers wrestle down disruptive man trying to open emergency door

ALBUQUERQUEl, NEW MEXICO: An American Airlines flight had to be rerouted back to New Mexico following a passenger's attempt to open the emergency door mid-flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines confirmed to Fox News that Flight 1219, en route to Chicago International Airport, was compelled to return to Albuquerque International Sunport due to the incident.

American Airlines passengers restrain 'disruptive' individual attempting to open plane door mid-flight

Don, a passenger on the plane and the globetrotting host of Barstool Sports' 'Donnie Does,' reported that the in-flight disruption occurred about 30 minutes into the Boeing 737's flight. "At the moment there was just too much going on to be panicking, but it was very scary," the passenger told Fox. 

The media figure, Don, shared that he was on the verge of falling asleep when he was abruptly roused by a passenger causing a disturbance. Don recounted how he "jumped out of his seat" to assist four other passengers in restraining the individual who was trying to open the emergency door.

He admitted to feeling "pretty sluggish" attributing it to the Chinese food and tequila soda he had during his layover.

"Tequila sodas don't pair well with Panda Express," he mentioned.

"So I was pretty sluggish. I thought I was feeling pretty sluggish at the time, but once I saw what was going on, that got me right up."

Men holds the passenger down as the flight attendant secured his legs with duct tape

Don, along with four or five other passengers, managed to subdue the man who was attempting to open the emergency door.

An American Airlines flight attendant intervened, using duct tape and flex cuffs to restrain the man's legs.

Don captured a video showing the group of men holding the passenger down as the flight attendant secured his legs with duct tape.

The passenger was then moved to the back of the plane, where an empty row was available, according to Don.

He also shared that before the passenger tried to open the emergency door, others on the flight heard him express a need to "get off this plane."

After the incident, the plane was redirected back to Albuquerque International Sunport, where local law enforcement promptly arrested the disruptive passenger.

The Albuquerque Division of the FBI reportedly confirmed that they are currently investigating the incident. The man was yet to be identified.

Internet reacts to the American Airlines incident

The incident on the American Airlines flight has ignited a frenzy on the internet. A user shared a gif and wrote, "I imagine this was Donnie getting off the flight."

Another person said, "THANK GOD U R A BULL. GOD SPEED."

"Mandatory 5 years in Prison and no-fly list for 10 years," remarked another.

Another person stated, "Attempted murder of 180-200 people….. pathetic!!!!! Have fun in federal prison big guy!!!!"

"The Don saving lives in the 505 skies," said another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.