Chinese man celebrated as 'hero' after in-flight assault

A Delta Airlines flight has safely landed in Beijing after redeparting from Seattle on Friday.

The flight had to turn back after a passenger assaulted a flight attendant on Thursday. 

Photo shows a passenger assaulted a flight attendant on Thursday. [Photo: dahebao.cn]

CGTN’s Jin Yingqiao reported the alleged attacker is in custody now. Passengers, including a Chinese man, helped fight back against the attacker.

The return of the Boeing 767 took place about an hour after take-off from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. 

Delta later issued a statement, saying that the alleged attacker was restrained on board and was removed from the flight by law enforcement.

Based on a criminal complaint filed in Washington State, first class passenger Joseph Hudek suddenly lunged for the exit door and tried to open the door after using the restroom. 

The man punched one flight attendant twice and struck at least one passenger in the head as attendants tried to stop him. 

A flight attendant then broke a wine bottle over the head of the attacker. Several passengers helped subdue the alleged attacker until the plane returned. 

Photo shows the "hero" Mr. Hou accepts an interview. [Photo: dahebao.cn]

A Chinese man who joined the fight has been dubbed as a hero by many witnesses.

There were 207 passengers on board, with the majority believed to be Chinese. 

The flight attendant and an injured passenger were then sent to a local hospital after the flight returned. The 23-year-old attacker is reportedly a baseball player. The FBI is helping in the investigation.