An American Airlines flight from JFK to California diverted to Denver Wednesday night after a passenger physically assaulted a flight attendant, the airline confirmed.
"We are outraged by the reports of what took place on board," the airline said in a statement about flight 976, which was heading to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. "Acts of violence against our team members are not tolerated by American Airlines."
The Airbus 321 safely taxied to the gate, and law enforcement took the passenger into custody.
American Airlines said it is "working with law enforcement to support our team member and pursue prosecution."
The passenger will also be permanently banned from traveling on American Airlines flights, but the airline said "we will not be satisfied until he has been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This behavior must stop."
The flight attendant was reportedly taken to a hospital, but details on her condition weren't immediately released.
The assault comes amid a surge in unruly airline passengers this year, who sometimes become violent. Law enforcement was investigating the assault and the Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate as well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
