Brooklyn Artist Leanna Perry Arrested After Violent Outburst on Southwest Airlines Flight

An unsettling incident took place on a Southwest Airlines flight departing from La Guardia Airport this Tuesday, when 32-year-old Brooklyn-based illustrator Leanna Perry was involved in a physical and verbal assault against another passenger. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in Perry being handcuffed, removed from the aircraft on a stretcher, and arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault.

Shocking Footage Captures Passenger’s Outburst

Video footage taken by fellow travelers aboard the flight has since gone viral, showing Perry launching a verbal tirade against a woman seated nearby. The Brooklyn artist can be seen aggressively grabbing the victim’s hair while shouting a string of profanities. Among the insults hurled were “fat a** b****” and “ugly a** bitch,” targeted at the fellow passenger.

In a further humiliating attack, Perry mocked the woman’s boyfriend, taunting, “Your boyfriend’s d–k is like 2 inches big. It’s embarrassing. I’m so sorry about your boyfriend.” The barrage of insults left other passengers visibly disturbed as airline staff rushed to intervene and calm the situation.

Crew and Passengers Attempt to Restrain Perry

As the confrontation intensified, Perry began shouting that she “can’t breathe,” prompting flight attendants and airline personnel to physically restrain her using zip ties to secure her hands behind her back. Throughout the ordeal, the artist continued to scream and curse, with one passenger captured pleading, “Can anybody do something, please?”

The aggressive episode forced the flight crew to call for emergency medical assistance. Paramedics arrived and escorted Perry off the plane on a stretcher. Once on the ground, she was taken into custody by the Port Authority Police Department and charged with aggravated assault.

Background: Leanna Perry’s Artistic Career and NYC Fashion Scene

Leanna Perry is a well-known figure in the New York creative community, especially recognized for her work as an illustrator and fashion artist. She has collaborated with several prominent brands including SHEIN, Maybelline, and MAC Cosmetics. Perry’s artwork has frequently been featured in fashion shows, runway events, and industry parties throughout the city, earning her a respected place within the fashion circuit.

Her abrupt and violent behavior on the flight came as a shock to many who follow her career, contrasting sharply with her public persona. Sources close to Perry have yet to comment on what may have triggered the incident, and it remains unclear if alcohol or other factors played a role.

Southwest Airlines and Authorities Respond

As of now, Southwest Airlines has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident but emphasized that passenger safety and well-being remain their top priorities. The Port Authority Police Department confirmed the arrest and that Perry faces charges of aggravated assault. Further legal proceedings are expected as the case develops.

This episode has sparked renewed discussions on air travel safety and how airlines handle disruptive passengers, particularly when conflicts escalate into physical altercations. It also highlights the challenges crews face in maintaining order in confined spaces while ensuring the safety of all travelers.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

The viral video and details of the assault have ignited widespread debate online, with many condemning Perry’s actions while others call for compassion or explanations behind the outburst. Social media users have expressed concern about how airline incidents like this affect the overall flying experience for passengers.

As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on both the legal outcome for Perry and the policies airlines might adopt to prevent similar incidents in the future.