A federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, has found a Stafford man guilty of assaulting a fellow passenger during a flight. The incident occurred on October 28, 2024, aboard United Airlines flight 2247 from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that Everett Chad Nelson, aged 44, attacked a deaf passenger without provocation. Nelson approached the victim, who was asleep over twenty rows ahead of his seat, and began punching him in the face. The assault resulted in serious injuries, including a broken nose that required extensive medical treatment.
Another passenger intervened after hearing the commotion and restrained Nelson until the flight crew could secure him for the remainder of the journey. Upon arrival at Dulles, Nelson was arrested by FBI agents.
Nelson could face up to ten years in prison; however, federal sentences often fall below maximum penalties. A judge will determine his sentence after considering various guidelines and factors.
The announcement was made by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, alongside Sanjay Virmani, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division. The verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel K. Amzallag and Heather D. Call.
Further information can be found on the websites of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER using Case No. 1:24-cr-251.