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Google PlayA physical altercation involving multiple people and an officer at Miami International Airport led to two arrests Monday night, NBC News reports.
Per the outlet, two people, who have not been identified, had a confrontation with the officer just after 6:30 p.m. Authorities were called to a gate due to some commotion relating to a delayed charter flight. They came across what NBC News describes as an “unruly” traveler who apparently swiped keys to a golf car and wasn’t letting an employee leave.
Video shows a large group circling an officer who has a man in what looks to be a chokehold, as people record the incident on cell phones. Other travelers try to pry the officer’s arms from around the man’s neck, and once the officer lets go, the two start fighting again, with people still attempting to intervene.
The officer then moves away from the man and draws his gun, as more people attempt to intervene. It’s unknown what prompted the fight between the police officer and the man.
“Like airports across the country, (Miami International Airport) is seeing record-high passenger numbers this winter travel season,” MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, that passenger growth has come with a record-high increase nationwide in bad behavior as well, such as the incident this evening at MIA,” he added. “Disruptive passengers face police arrest, civil penalties up to $37,000, being banned from flying, and potential federal prosecution.”
An investigation has been launched into why the officer brandished his weapon. The identities of the two people arrested and their charges have not been announced.
