Two of the Chicago aviation security officers involved in the violent removal of a United Airlines passenger Dr David Dao been fired, according to an official update on the April incident.
The Office of the Inspector General notes the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) fired the officer responsible for escalating the incident, which resulted in “a physically violent and forceful removal of a [Dr Dao] aboard United Airlines Flight 3411.”
Video footage captured by other passengers showed Dr Dao being violently dragged from his seat. The report notes “the use of excessive force caused the passenger to hit his face on an armrest, resulting in a concussion, a broken nose, and the loss of two teeth.”
@United overbook #flight3411 and decided to force random passengers off the plane. Here’s how they did it: pic.twitter.com/QfefM8X2cW
— Jayse D. Anspach (@JayseDavid) April 10, 2017
Another officer was fired after it was found they deliberately removed important facts from an employee report into the incident.
Further, two officers involved with Dr Dao’s removal were given five-day suspensions. One officer had their suspension reduced to two days after they filed a grievance; the other filed a grievance, but resigned shortly after.
The report notes CDA is conducting an internal investigation of its procedures, which will be complete by early 2018.
Dr Dao reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount following the incident. The event also drew attention to nebulous the role of aviation police and the issue of overbooking on flights, and a focus on the airline caused United’s stocks to briefly plummet by $900M.
