Delta co-pilot arrested at SFO after federal agents ‘stormed the cockpit'
The Boeing 737-300 touched down at approximately 9:35 p.m. after a delayed second approach due to heavy fog. What began as a routine deplaning quickly turned chaotic, according to eyewitness accounts.
'A group of people with badges, guns, and different agency vests/markings were pushing their way up through the aisle to the cockpit,' passenger Sarah Christianson said in an email to the Chronicle.
Seated in first class, Christianson said she counted at least 10 law enforcement officers, including agents from Homeland Security Investigations and people identifying as air marshals.
The officers reportedly 'stormed the cockpit, cuffed the copilot, arrested him, walked him down the aisle, and ushered him off the plane through the cabin doors located between first and coach.'
A second team of agents returned shortly after to retrieve the co-pilot's personal belongings.
'It was rage-inducing to see someone being disappeared right in front of me,' she added.
Delta Air Lines declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security, which has not yet responded.
The remaining pilot appeared unaware of the arrest, telling passengers he had 'no idea what just happened.' The reason for the arrest has not been disclosed.
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