News Summary
Leanna Perry, a 32-year-old woman, was arrested after allegedly assaulting another passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight from LaGuardia to Kansas City. Reports indicate Perry displayed erratic behavior, including grabbing hair and spitting on the victim, prompting intervention from law enforcement. She faces multiple charges, including attempted assault and harassment. This incident reflects a growing trend of increasingly violent behavior on flights as air travel resumes post-pandemic.
Queens, NY – A 32-year-old woman from New York, identified as Leanna Perry, was taken into custody on Tuesday after allegedly assaulting another passenger during a Southwest Airlines flight. The flight was traveling from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Kansas City when the incident occurred, prompting intervention by law enforcement.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey received reports of an intoxicated passenger around 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Following these reports, Perry was apprehended and subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation before being placed in police custody. She faces multiple charges, which include one count of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, one count of resisting arrest, one count of disorderly conduct, and three counts each of third-degree attempted assault and second-degree harassment with physical contact.
The alleged assault is raising concerns among airline passengers and authorities alike, especially given the unsettling details emerging from a viral video of the incident. In the video, Perry is seen grabbing another passenger’s hair and yelling at her. According to additional footage, while being restrained by Southwest employees and fellow travelers, Perry reportedly spat on the victim. Throughout the confrontation, she repeatedly claimed, “I can’t breathe,” and displayed erratic behavior, including kicking seats around her.
This incident marks a disturbing trend of increasing incidents of violence on flights, especially during a time when air travel is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Airlines and law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about passenger conduct and safety in light of various reports involving unruly behavior during flights. Perry’s actions are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by airline employees and other passengers during these outbursts.
Leanna Perry is set to have an adjournment hearing in Queens court on September 3, as the legal process begins to unfold. At this stage, Southwest Airlines has not provided any immediate comments regarding the incident or the charges against Perry, triggering speculation about the airline’s policies and response to passenger misconduct.
The rise in incidents of violence on airplanes highlights the need for stricter measures and interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers. The growing number of reported incidents has prompted discussions on how best to address issues of intoxicated passengers and to maintain order during flights.
This incident not only impacts the individuals involved but also reflects on the airline industry at large. As travel continues to recover post-pandemic, it remains vital for airlines to prioritize passenger safety and enforce appropriate measures to mitigate such confrontational situations.
As further details are expected to emerge in the days leading up to the court hearing, passengers and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and what implications it may hold for the broader context of air travel conduct and safety regulations.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star
- Wikipedia: Airline Passenger Conduct
- KITV
- Google Search: Airlines and Passenger Safety
- Chron
- Google Scholar: Airline Passenger Misconduct
- Crain’s New York
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airline Safety Regulations
- QC News
- Google News: Airline Incident Report
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
