Miami: A 21-year-old Indian-origin man, Ishaan Sharma, was arrested after allegedly attacking a fellow passenger during a Frontier Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Miami on June 30. The incident, captured on camera by multiple travelers, quickly went viral on social media, raising concerns about passenger safety and in-flight conduct.
According to authorities, Sharma, a resident of Newark, reportedly assaulted a passenger named Keanu Evans without any prior provocation. Evans claims Sharma approached him from behind, grabbed him by the neck, and began speaking in what he described as “bizarre and threatening language.”
“He was doing this dark laugh — ‘Ha ha ha ha ha’ — and saying things like, ‘You puny, mortal man, if you challenge me, it will result in your death,’” Evans said in an interview with local media. Evans was seated directly in front of Sharma when the alleged attack occurred.
Passengers described a chaotic scene midair, as both men engaged in a physical confrontation, grabbing each other’s throats while startled flyers tried to separate them. Evans said he had already felt uncomfortable with Sharma’s behavior and had informed flight attendants during a restroom break. He was advised to press the assistance button if things escalated — which he eventually did.
“The situation exploded so fast. He was right in my face, and suddenly he just lunged. My only option was to protect myself,” Evans recalled.
Upon landing in Miami, Sharma was immediately taken into custody and has been charged with battery. He appeared in court on Tuesday, where his lawyer offered a different perspective, claiming the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. “My client practices a form of religious meditation which may have been misinterpreted. There was no intent to harm,” the attorney said.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that they are still reviewing video footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with Frontier Airlines staff to determine the sequence of events and whether additional charges may be necessary.
