Kansas City police officers board American Airlines Flight 1218 to remove a disruptive passenger after the plane diverted from its route to Washington, DC, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Credit @Adam_Burtner)
Rep. Greg Stanton, a Democrat from Arizona, posted on X that he and three Republican colleagues — Reps. Eli Crane, Andy Biggs, and Paul Gosar — were aboard when the incident occurred.
"Flying to DC rn to vote no on CR that fails to lower health care costs. @RepEliCrane, @RepAndyBiggsAZ & @RepGosar all on this flight. We’re making emergency stop in Kansas City to remove disruptive passenger. None of my colleagues is the disruptor. Freedom Caucus losing its mojo," Stanton wrote.
HOUSE DEMOCRAT SIDES WITH TRUMP OFFICIALS ON AIR TRAFFIC CUTS AMID SHUTDOWN CHAOS
Flight data shows the Airbus A320 had been airborne for roughly two hours and forty minutes before diverting to Kansas City International Airport around 6:15 p.m. local time.
Video posted to X by another passenger shows Kansas City police officers boarding the plane to remove a woman who apologized as she was led away, saying, "We live in a fascist state."
AMERICAN AIRLINES PASSENGER RESTRAINED, KNOCKED TO FLOOR WHILE BARGING INTO COCKPIT: VIDEO
Kansas City police officers board American Airlines Flight 1218 to remove a disruptive passenger after the plane diverted from its route to Washington, DC, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Credit @Adam_Burtner)
The flight departed again about an hour later and landed at Reagan National Airport shortly after 10 p.m.
"On a serious note, thank you Kansas City police for handling the situation professionally and without incident," Stanton later wrote.
Stanton said he was headed to Washington to vote against the Republican continuing resolution to end the government shutdown, while his GOP colleagues supported the plan.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
President Trump signed the legislation Wednesday, formally reopening the federal government after a 43-day shutdown — the longest in U.S. history.
The House passed the Senate’s funding bill 222-209, restoring federal paychecks, funding air traffic controllers, and replenishing nutrition programs.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/arizona-lawmakers-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-kansas-city-after-passenger-disruption