Passenger removed from flight in the US for religious speech due to security concerns

The removal of a passenger who gave a religious speech to fellow travelers before takeoff on an Alaska Airlines flight in the US has sparked controversy. The incident occurred on July 30 on flight 708, which was preparing to depart from Orlando International Airport in Florida for San Diego.

40-year-old preacher and social media content creator Whitney Lynn stood up in the aisle to address passengers following a flight delay. In footage later posted by Lynn on her social media accounts, she was seen saying that the delay “could be part of God’s plan.”

Lynn argued that the delay might be protecting passengers from a potential danger; in her speech, she stated that Jesus loves people and died on the cross for their sins. Following the speech, airline staff asked Lynn to gather her belongings and leave the aircraft.

AIRLINE ISSUES SECURITY STATEMENT

In a statement released by Alaska Airlines, it was noted that the crew became increasingly concerned about Lynn’s behavior prior to takeoff. The company reported that these behaviors affected other passengers and that Lynn was removed from the flight for security reasons.

In another video shared by Lynn, a company employee can be heard telling her that the crew did not feel safe with her on the plane. The airline announced that Lynn will not be accepted on future Alaska Airlines flights for the foreseeable future.

According to documents shared by Lynn, she will also be temporarily barred from Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air flights until the company completes its investigation into the incident.

Reacting to the decision, Lynn questioned why her religious message was perceived as dangerous. Arguing that her speech did not contain any threats, Lynn described the events as a “spiritual war” and claimed that her freedom of speech was being suppressed.

Lynn also argued that being removed from the plane allowed her to reach more people with her message. She stated that while leaving the airport, she spoke to a shuttle driver about her faith and prayed with an employee at the hotel where she stayed.

It is known that Lynn has previously given religious speeches to passengers during flights. Speaking to the Washington Post, Lynn had said that she preaches on most of the flights she takes and that passengers have no choice but to listen to her. These remarks led to criticism that she views passengers on planes as a “captive audience.”