MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Tempers flared at Miami International Airport when an airline employee was attacked, leading to the arrest of a passenger.
On Tuesday, police confirmed they had arrested 25-year-old Camilia McMillie after she assaulted an American Airlines employee, Tuesday.
Only In Dade provided a video showing the woman losing it at American Airlines Gate D-39.
Traveling from Alabama to New York City with her children, the woman’s family had a layover at MIA.
According to the police report, McMillie took her frustrations out on a gate agent when she couldn’t find her two children after they had walked off to use the bathroom.
While screaming, she went behind a desk, tossing keyboards and ripping the boarding pass reader off the wooden counter.
A different angle shows her grabbing a computer monitor and throwing it at the gate agent, striking her in the shoulder.
Travelers watched in disbelief, along with the employee, who seemed stunned by what had just taken place.
“She went into a panic mode,” said a witness. “That’s what happened.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers held McMillie until Miami-Dade Police officers arrived.
In a statement, American Airlines spokesperson Derek Walls wrote, “Acts of violence against our team members are not tolerated by American Airlines, and we are working closely with law enforcement in their investigation.”
Passengers reacted to the video.
“Oh, my God! Why would she do that?” said a traveler.
“I’ve seen worse. It’s Miami,” said another traveler.
Throughout the pandemic, violent encounters on planes and at the airport have soared.
One year ago to the day, another viral video surfaced at MIA where an officer drew his gun during an airport brawl. Two people were detained, and the officer was OK.
As this recent ordeal plays out, passengers in a hurry to make it home for the holidays are wishing people would pack more patience as they head out.
“Clearly she has anger issues,” said a passenger.
The employee is said to be OK and has some bruising on her right shoulder area.
Police also told 7News that the outburst left around $10,000 worth of damage to American Airlines’ property in its wake.
McMillie was booked into jail later that night on an aggravated battery charge, among others.
She appeared in court on Wednesday morning.
“It is pretty violent. We’re at the peak travel season, the airports are hectic and with an increase of violence,” said a prosecutor.
Judge Mindy S. Glazer viewed the viral videos while in court.
“You are arrested for aggravated battery,” said Glazer.
McMillie is being held on a $4,500 bond.
As of Wednesday evening, she remains behind bars.
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