Can I please just get my flight? Are you kidding me? >> Sir, we're past that. >> My sister is dead. >> Sir, stop. Do not touch me. Do you understand that? >> No, I'm No, no, this is No, this is for the cop's sake. Trust me. Nancy needs this. >> Stop! NO, I WON'T. MY SISTER DIED. MY SISTER DIED AGAINST YOU GUYS. MY SISTER DIED AGAINST YOU GUYS. >> ON December 17th, 2021, officers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport responded to a Spirit Airlines disturbance call. An intoxicated man had been denied boarding and refused to leave. 19 minutes later, he was in handcuffs facing six criminal charges, two of them felonies. The question here isn't what happened. It's which law applied at each step, and whether anyone crossed the line. >> Are you good to go? >> Copy 22. >> Yeah. >> Where are you going to >> I'm going to be at the uh on the public side of the checkpoint with the 13 of you guys. White male, >> Yes. >> pink shirt, Spirit 94, please. >> The next flight to win. >> Yeah, win. >> I can check for you. I can fix it for you. What do you say? I need to move you for the next available flight to win. >> That's not happening. So, thank you. >> But So, unfortunately, you you won't be able to travel today, sir. I'll give you something to eat, you hydrate, and you feel better. >> Thank you for Thank you for your concern, but that's not happening. >> Okay, sir. Unfortunately, you cannot travel today, sir. So, may I have your ID or boarding pass, so I can look at the flight times? >> Sir, um that's not happening. >> I'm trying to get a beat on what was on. They were really animated and he was like >> Sir. >> Sir. >> I'm just following you. >> So, they already let you know you can't travel, right? So, they're not going to let you pass through security. >> Sir. Uh sir >> They have the final notice. It doesn't matter what you you think. >> I get it, but >> You're not allowed to >> No, I'm not allowed. >> So, there's no point of going through this now. That's the manager supervisor of Spirit right there. They have the final decision. Once they say you can't get on the plane, you can't get on the plane. You can call whoever you want. >> Yeah. >> So, we are out of the line. We don't want We don't want nobody bumping into you by mistake. >> You're welcome to take his picture, my picture. >> All right. Look, my name is David. Make sure you get it clear. >> Yeah, I got you. >> Good. Can you please just step out of the line over here? >> Sir. >> Sir. Right over this way, please. You're welcome to make any phone calls that you need. >> walk this way. Go go call your dad over there. That way >> You're not in the line and I don't want nobody bumping into you by mistake. >> I'm sorry, but what the is going on? >> You're being asked not to fly because of your current intoxicated state. I can tell you your breath's flammable right now. You're that intoxicated. But they've asked They have the final say. We're just simply asking you to step out of the line because you're literally in the middle of the line right now. >> being compliant. >> Thank you. Sir. I wouldn't step over to that line either, sir. >> This That's the law for me. >> for a moment. Guess what? >> What's that? >> I follow the law and it's illegal for you guys to try to withhold me from going to the law. I'm not doing anything wrong. >> I'm not trying to withhold you from doing anything, but >> I already purchased my ticket. My ticket is purchased. I'm checked in. I'm going home. Thank you. >> You're not going to be able to fly. >> Yes, I am because guess what? It is not against law for me to fly when I already purchased my ticket against law. >> Sir, understand this. Just try to >> Sir, I already understand. Sir, thank you Mr. Hansen. I already understand. >> I already I don't think you do because you're really not listening. >> No, I am listening. Sir, I purchased a ticket. No, I purchased a ticket. >> Uh-huh. >> No. >> Do you understand what a lifetime ban from a flight is? >> I understand what a lifetime ban from a flight is. I didn't get that. Yeah. But I didn't. >> If the manager says >> I didn't. I already purchased my ticket. Guess what? I am signing the law. So, thank you. >> All right. All right. So, what are we doing? He's not >> You guys going to rebook him? >> He's got to go. He's done. I need his ticket cuz I'm getting ready to ban him also. >> Yes, I'm going. >> Just try to >> go. >> What? Okay, you're welcome to go. We have never stopped you from leaving. >> Thank you. >> You're just not getting on the flight. You can go that direction, not this direction. >> Okay, so when my mom dies, that's on you. >> I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues. >> Hansen. >> Okay, 6 12 G6. G6 you can go right through this line right here. Sir. Excuse me. Sir, you don't understand. You're not going to be able to board this flight. >> Why? >> Because you're intoxicated and the people that are managing this airline said they're not willing to allow you get on the plane. Excuse me. >> Wait. Sir, are you going to refund me my flight? >> That's what they've been trying to do, sir. >> Let's step to the side so we're not in their way. >> Yeah, can you guys refund my flight? I'm waiting for you. >> You got your ticket, sir? >> Can I please just get my flight? Are you >> Sir. >> My sister is dead. >> Sir, stop. Do not touch me. Do you understand that? Sir, I'm going to give you the final warning. If you touch me again, you are going to jail. Do you understand that? >> I'm watching. >> I hope so. I'm also watching. >> Yeah. >> This camera's been recording your behavior. I'm telling you right now. >> I understand all of my rights cuz I'm a law student. >> That's excellent. They're going to try to refund you, but you have to relax. You have to give them your information. >> I'm not going to relax until you tell me I can go home because I've done nothing. >> You're not going to be allowed to board this flight, sir. >> This gentleman's attempting to refund your flight. Do you have your ticket? >> trying to get him for the >> have your ID? Do you have an ID or your ticket? If you don't wish to get a refund, you're more than welcome to leave. But if you want a refund, they need to know who you are. >> If I don't get a refund, we will I have Yeah, I'm not No, I'm not No, no, no, this is No, this is for the cops' sake. Trust me. Jensys need this. Just get me back. I just want to go home to my I just want to die. I think it's I just want to go home to my sister's house. Only if you promise I won't die. >> Yes, I promise. >> Only if you promise Sorry, I lost my mom, too. >> He's going to keep trying. >> Yeah, he's going to keep trying. >> Here we go. >> Hey, Michael. I'm sorry, baby. You got to run with me? You want to run with me? Michael, I need you to go outside of the business. Go outside of the >> You're not going through there. I'm telling you right now. Take off and go outside. I'm telling you right now. >> Sorry? >> You're not going through there. I'm telling you right now. >> Okay. >> So, if I was you, walk outside, cool off, when you're obviously sober, and then we'll go from there. There's no anything you could have said that's going to change my mind. I'm giving you 10 seconds to walk out those doors right now. >> No, I I know, but can I have like a >> No. Go. I want to see if you're going to come back. >> No, no, he's probably going to come for another door. Park the bus. >> Yeah, I don't know. I sent him on his way. >> Is he Is he rebooked for today? >> I'm going to let him cool down. He's just freaking toasted right now. >> No, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> So, when he's um all like, you know, I'll probably book him for tomorrow. >> Okay, but right now he's not rebooked, right? >> No, right now he's not. >> Hey. Our gentleman friend went to the other line over there. >> Correct. >> That's international. Where's she trying to go? >> He's going to Myrtle Beach. >> South Carolina? >> Yeah, but there's nothing there. But I have them against >> All right, listen. I'm going to tell you something right now. You come back in here, you're going to jail. You're being trespassed. I'm telling you right now. >> Why? >> no book. You have no booking right now. >> I do have you guys against jail, too. >> Okay, I'm telling you right now. You will go to jail if you come back in here. She has not rebooked you. I have confirmed it with her. >> I have every right against my personal >> Sir, let me speak. >> Yes. >> not rebooked you because of the the state you're in right now. You're in highly intoxicated. >> Can I talk against the Supreme Court? >> Who? >> Against the Supreme Court? >> Yes, if you want, take it wherever you want. >> Court says you cannot take us against our right. We have the right to a fair trial. >> No. >> Take two steps back. >> Against the fair >> Take two steps back. >> Here we go. >> You're being trespassed right now. You come back here. Sir, I need you to leave. >> filming. >> I don't I you're being filmed, too. I need you to leave. >> Okay. >> Sir? >> No. I have I have every right. Oh my god, here we go. >> Oh. >> Oh my goodness. >> Can you get me any back stuff to listen? >> Stop resisting. >> I'm not resisting. >> Yeah. I need to pull the bag off. Can I get that? You got it? >> Yep. >> Oh my >> That was my bag. >> Stop Stop trying to get up. >> Help, someone's Someone's filming this. >> Stop trying to get up. >> Someone film this. >> Where's my mic? >> There. >> Where's my mic? >> There. They're taking my They're taking my my mic. Look at my [ __ ] blood. >> Bravo 40, I have nothing to report. Reference a 10-50 white male. >> Bad parking violation. >> Yeah, you do. phone. >> Yeah, on. >> Get him. >> Get him. >> I need to get my phone. Give me my phone. I know I have my phone because I know I have my phone because I know I have it. I get MY RIGHTS. I READ EVERY CONSTITUTION. Give me >> 39040, send me Dawson unit and any rescue. >> GIVE ME MY PHONE. >> 51040 >> I know I have it. >> Stop resisting. >> 390 >> You okay, 21? >> Sunshine >> Yeah. >> Get four more here. We got him. We got him. Take him out. >> What? What the Why are you doing this? Guys, I just want my >> You're going to get it. >> All your property is getting collected right now. >> 34525 >> What are you guys want? Kill the one >> 10530 >> WHAT? >> [screaming] >> I DON'T HAVE YOUR CAR, [ __ ] WE need to get an ambulance. >> STOP. NO, I WON'T. MY SISTER DIED. MY SISTER DIED AGAINST YOU GUYS. MY SISTER DIED AGAINST YOU GUYS. >> RELAX. RELAX. RELAX. >> I won't help. I won't help. My sister died against you guys. >> Excuse me. >> My sister [ __ ] died against you guys. No, stop. If you will let me go, I'll [ __ ] sit. Stop. >> Have a seat. Hey, you do that [ __ ] again, you're going to get another charge. >> Stop. You're going [laughter] to make things worse for you, right? >> Have a seat. >> I'll make things worse. Yeah, I'll >> Man. Thank you. >> Anytime, buddy. >> You know what? >> Relax, man. >> No, I [ __ ] what? I wanted to be what you are. You ruined it for me. I wanted to be what you are. >> You're acting You're acting up, Michael. >> Shut up. I wanted to be what you are. You're acting up. Take care of No, take Jamie home. Jamie home. Take care OF JAMIE HOME. >> GO GET your belt. I'm good. >> Don't [ __ ] curse at >> Relax. Michael, you're making it worse for yourself. >> I don't care. >> You're drunk right now. That's what you're saying now. Think about what you're doing. >> No, I'm not. >> You can smell it. >> NO, I DON'T CARE. >> RELAX. >> NO. You don't [ __ ] care. >> I do care. >> You know you [ __ ] don't. Take care of Jamie. [ __ ] take Jamie. Take Jamie home. I don't have anything. Your eyes just are so big. >> We gave you plenty of time, man. >> No, you didn't. >> Yes, we did. >> No, you didn't. All you care about is your [ __ ] ego. >> NO, I DON'T. >> YES, YOU DO. >> All right, Michael. >> All you care about is your [ __ ] ego. >> Can I let you go and you're going to be fine? >> No. >> You're going to relax? Come on, let's let's start relaxing, man. You're not getting it. You're not making any better for yourself. All right? >> Yeah. >> Look, your property's back with you. >> You guys are so good. You guys have never given a [ __ ] Every time we tried to tell you guys to give a [ __ ] you guys don't care. >> You got fire rescue coming for you to check your eye out, okay? They're going to clean you up, make sure everything's good with you. >> It's just hurting though. I don't [ __ ] care. >> We're trying to get them to her. >> I don't care. >> Michael, they were trying to rebook you for later on today. All you had to do was you were asked multiple times just leave the airport. You're intoxicated right now. Come back sober. You were going to leave later on today. She was trying to get you on a plane. You still don't want to listen, man. >> All right, then tell me that. >> We did tell you. We told you that. >> That's not That's not how they were acting and you know it. Stop. >> They all told >> You cannot say >> The manager told you. We were right there. We told you 100 times. We She She was going to ban you for life. She said, "You know what? Let me not do it for a year. It is." She said, "Let me not do that. Let me You know, you told her you know you have family issues. Let me help them out." She tried to do it and then you started acting up again. We asked you to leave. You came back two to three times. All of this would have been avoided if you would have just left the first time. Come down here, sleep for an hour, and go back up. But you weren't Once you get canceled, you have no business being here. >> don't think you understand how the [ __ ] they act. You don't understand how the [ __ ] they act, period. >> How do I act? >> Start with the airline. Under the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 121, Section 580, a commercial carrier has statutory authority to deny transport to any passenger who appears intoxicated. A purchased ticket does not override that. It's federal law. Michael argued he'd paid, he checked in, the law was on his side. He was wrong. The carrier's authority to refuse service is regulatory. It doesn't require a court order or the passenger's consent. Through the first 11 minutes, officers were in consensual contact territory. Under Florida versus Bostic, a 1991 Supreme Court decision arising from a Fort Lauderdale bus terminal, police questioning in a public transit setting is not a seizure. No Fourth Amendment issue, not yet. That changed when the trespass notice was issued. Florida statute section 810.09 makes it a misdemeanor to remain on property after an officer orders you to leave. Michael reentered after that notice. First-degree misdemeanor, probable cause to arrest. The arrest is evaluated under Graham versus Connor, the 1989 Supreme Court standard. Three factors. Severity of the crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat, and whether the suspect is actively resisting. All three cut the same direction here. The crime had escalated from trespass to physical contact with an officer. Michael was warned on camera, "Touch me again and you're going to jail." He did it again. Officers took him down, he resisted. Ground takedown and handcuffing proportionate. Graham is satisfied. The battery charge comes from Florida statute section 784.07. Any knowing physical contact with a law enforcement officer during an encounter upgrades battery from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years. Two incidents on camera, two counts. Resisting with violence, section 843.01, is a third-degree felony. The struggle on camera satisfies it. Resisting without violence under 843.02, a first-degree misdemeanor, covers the earlier refusal to comply with verbal orders. The The charge, possession without a valid prescription under section 893.13, didn't come from the camera. It came from the search incident to arrest. Under the Fourth Amendment, that search requires no warrant. Whatever was found is legally obtained. Officers receive a B+. 19 minutes of documented de-escalation before any force was used. Presence, verbal commands, soft control, then takedown only after Michael physically resisted. One deduction, an earlier breath is flammable remark was unprofessional, minor, but on camera. Michael receives a C. He had exits at every stage. Leave the airport, accept the rebooking, hand over the boarding pass. He rejected each one. Every charge he left with followed a decision he made after being warned. Emotional distress is context, not a defense. Spirit Airlines staff get an A-. The authority was there, they used it proportionately, and one agent actively worked to rebook Michael on a same-day flight. Earlier, cleaner communication of the path forward might have ended this before officers were needed. The lesson for officers is simple. Patience creates a legal record. 19 minutes of documented de-escalation makes the subsequent use of force nearly unimpeachable in court. Every warning given, every re-entry ignored, every command refused, it's all on camera and it all matters. Knowing phrases like I have rights or invoking the Supreme Court doesn't mean you understand how those rights apply. Due process exists after arrest. It is not a shield against a lawful trespass order on private property. Michael left with trespassing, two felony battery counts, felony resisting with violence, misdemeanor resisting without violence, and a drug charge. Six total. Case disposition is unknown at the time of this analysis. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for watching.