Washington FBI Arrests Passenger After Terrifying In-Flight Assault On American Airlines Flight To D.C.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Washington FBI arrests a Texas man for a violent mid-air assault on an American Airlines flight to D.C., causing chaos before landing. Federal charges pending.

Federal authorities have taken a Texas man into custody following a violent altercation aboard an American Airlines (AA) flight traveling from Wichita (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) on March 5, 2025.

The alarming incident unfolded exactly five weeks after a separate American Airlines flight on the same route was involved in a crash.

In-Flight Confrontation Turns Violent

As per charging documents, Rulamka then attacked one of the passengers filming the scene, forcefully grabbing his arms and issuing verbal threats. The altercation escalated when he struck the passenger near the left eye, resulting in visible bruising and a bloodshot injury.

The FBI affidavit further describes Rulamka’s continued aggression, as he then attempted to assault another passenger. While this individual managed to evade a direct hit, he suffered a cut finger and a broken fingernail in the process.

Incident Coincides with Prior American Airlines Crash

Records from the Justice Department indicate that the altercation erupted just before 9 p.m., eerily aligning with the timing of a previous crash involving an American Airlines flight on the same route five weeks prior.

Upon landing, Rulamka made several statements to authorities, including a claim that he had traveled to Washington, D.C., to speak with former President Donald Trump. When questioned about his motives, he simply stated that he was “mad.”

Prior Immigration Violation & Legal Proceedings

Court records also reveal that Rulamka was previously investigated for an immigration violation in 2014, with those legal proceedings still unresolved.

Currently, he remains in custody on federal assault charges and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Thursday. A judge will decide whether he should remain detained pending trial.

The court docket does not indicate whether Rulamka has entered a plea, and his defense attorney has not responded to media inquiries. Meanwhile, the FBI has declined to comment on the case.

Each FBI field office has airport liaison agents responsible for handling crimes aboard commercial flights, including in-flight assaults such as this one.