In-Flight Argument Over Masking From Tampa To Atlanta Leads To Womans Arrest

ATLANTA, GA — An unruly Delta Airlines passenger flying from Tampa to Atlanta on Thursday was arrested for attacking fellow air travelers and members of the aircrew, police said.

A social media video shows the woman slapping a passenger and spitting on him as a disagreement escalated because he was unmasked.

Atlanta Police officers at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport met with Delta staff to wait for Patricia Cornwall to deplane after the in-flight disturbance.

“This disturbance led to the injury of fellow passengers and Delta employees,” police said. “Based on the statements gathered and visible evidence, officers detained Ms. Cornwall and contacted the on-call FBI agent.”

The woman became agitated because a passenger had taken off his mask, as captured on video by an onlooker and later posted to social media by ATL Uncensored. Patch has not been able to verify the original source of the video.

“Put your f---ing mask on,” she said to the man as she stood over him, her own mask pulled below her chin.

“I’m eating,” the man said, and called Cornwall “Karen,” a euphemism for middle-aged white women who, according to the Urban Dictionary, makes solutions to others' problems an inconvenience to her although she isn't affected.

Causing an in-flight disturbance is deemed a federal offense. Cornwall was arrested when she got off the plane and taken to the airport’s police precinct, where she was turned over to the FBI.