A United Airlines passenger was allegedly attacked while sleeping on a flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., on Monday. This incident left the victim with significant injuries and led to an FBI investigation. According to an SF Chronicle report, the victim, identified as a deaf and nonverbal individual, was unexpectedly assaulted, resulting in severe bruising and bleeding on their face.

The alleged assailant, Everett Chad Nelson, reportedly left his seat at the rear of the Boeing 737 and began to attack the man seated at the front, striking him multiple times in the face. Court documents detailed by CBS News indicated that the attack lasted approximately a minute, as screams were heard throughout the cabin. Nelson's apparent aggression splattered blood on his clothing and the surrounding area, leaving witnesses shocked at the scene.

Aboard the San Francisco International Airport-origin flight, a doctor who was also a passenger provided first aid to the injured man as he began to communicate through sign language. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) notified the FBI mid-flight about the incident, which they categorized as a “Level 2” disturbance – behavior that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines as "physically abusive behavior." The FAA is also investigating the matter, as per the San Francisco Chronicle.

Following the incident, Nelson was moved to another seat and monitored by another passenger, who intervened during the assault. The attack left Nelson himself unscathed, while witnesses say the victim did not appear to fight back. United Airlines lauded the actions of the passengers and crew in a statement, saying, "Thanks to the quick action of our crew and customers, one passenger was restrained after becoming physically aggressive toward another customer," as reported by CBS News. United's flight later touched down safely, and paramedics and law enforcement were on-site to respond.