Compass flight 5720, Los Angeles-bound, was escorted by two F-16s after it was diverted to Tucson International Airport as a result of a onboard “verbal disturbance” involving a passenger, according to ABCNews.
The Tucson Airport Authority reported that there was a report of interference with flight crew that caused the diversion.
There was an incident on a flight that was diverted to @tucsonairport. 1 suspect detained at this time. Aircraft deemed safe.
— TucsonAirport (@TucsonAirport) June 23, 2016
After the man in question was removed from the plane, passengers were removed, and re-screened by security before continuing on to their final destination.
According to ABCNews, NORAD confirmed that it scrambled two F-16 fighters to intercept the jet.
Passenger Ryan Healy tweeted his experience:
Video of removal. pic.twitter.com/Hb2cQq1B2j
— Ryan (@ryanhealy) June 23, 2016
Here was our escort party. pic.twitter.com/MkaGIOoGTj
— Ryan (@ryanhealy) June 23, 2016
And now we wait to be searched under armed guard. pic.twitter.com/JjtSLdpjkV
— Ryan (@ryanhealy) June 23, 2016