Maryland man who punched Dulles Airport Gate agent to appear in court

This week, a Maryland man who allegedly punched a Dulles International Airport gate agent is due to appear in federal court for the first time.

According to court records, Christopher Stuart Crittenden is accused of hitting an employee of United Airlines with a closed hand. He will appear at the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia Thursday (April 17).

An FBI Special Agent stated in an affidavit that the “likely drunk” man became angry after his flight on March 13 was delayed for 55 minutes. This anger led him to strike out at the gate agent, causing him to punch her jaw.

TMZ stated, that this was the third issue Crittenden faced on that particular day. His first flight had been canceled and the second flight was full.

Court documents state that the 53-year old traveler started to shout expletives after the announcement of the delay, refusing to heed staff requests to refrain from vulgar language.

The affidavit stated that “the victim apologized for his delay and gave Crittenden boarding pass.” “Crittenden continued to yell at the victim, and other United staff members about how the delay had been ‘fucked up. ‘”

The gate agent escalated Crittenden’s behavior to the captain of the aircraft, who banned him from the flight.

A video posted on social media shows a man named Crittenden approaching the jet bridge that leads to the plane, but being stopped by the gate agent. The worker was then punched in the jaw by Crittenden, who said “I’m tired of this bullsh*t”.

A United Airlines passenger punched a gate agent at Washington Dulles International Airport after his flight allegedly was cancelled and another was fully booked.

Maryland resident Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, attempted to walk onto the jet bridge at Gate D12 inside the… pic.twitter.com/v5i6pxEDw2

Breaking Aviation News & Videos 15 March 2025

The victim fell to the ground and lost consciousness. Crittenden tried to punch another gate employee but was restrained until police arrived.

The affidavit stated that Crittenden, as a United Airlines gate agents, interfered with and diminished the victim’s performance of security duties.