Plane Diverted After Passenger Attacks Flight Attendant: Airline

DENVER, CO — An American Airlines flight was diverted to Denver on Wednesday after a passenger attacked a flight attendant, officials said.

Flight 976 took off from New York and was headed to California, when it was diverted to Denver International Airport in the evening, American Airlines confirmed.

A passenger on the flight told CBS Los Angeles that a man in first or business class punched a flight attendant twice in the face. She had blood on her mask and was treated at a Denver hospital for broken facial bones, according to the report.

"We are outraged by the reports of what took place on board," American Airlines said in a statement. "Acts of violence against our team members will not be tolerated by American Airlines. We have engaged local law enforcement and the FBI and we are working with them to ensure they have all the information they need.

"The individual involved in this incident will never be allowed to travel with American Airlines in the future, but we will not be satisfied until he has been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This behavior must stop, and aggressive enforcement and prosecution of the law is the best deterrent."

American Airlines said the crew acted quickly and professionally, and no further injuries were reported.

"Our thoughts are with our injured flight attendant and ensuring that she and her fellow crew members have the support they need at this time," the airline's statement read.

The passenger was removed by law enforcement.

"No arrests have been made at this time; however, our investigation is ongoing," said Courtney Bernal, spokesperson for the FBI - Denver Division.

The FAA was also investigating, officials said.