OMAHA, Neb. — A United Airlines flight took an unexpected turn after a passenger claimed everyone was "under a simulation." Resulting in an emergency landing to Omaha. 

Jordan Robert Langston, 25 of Ogden, Utah If convicted, could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory $100 special assessment for interfering with flight crew members violating title 49, of the United States Code, Section 46504. 

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Central time on Dec. 28, 2025, aboard United Airlines Flight 2410, which departed from Washington Dulles International Airport headed for Salt Lake City International Airport. Instead, the flight was diverted to Omaha Eppley Airfield.

According to court documents, Langston, who was seated in 23E, left his seat shortly after takeoff and walked toward the front of the plane, waving his hands above his head and telling a flight attendant, “This is a simulation.”

When the flight attendant asked what he meant, Langston replied, “this flight,” and continued walking toward the back of the plane while repeating the claim.

Authorities say Langston then stepped on a flight attendant’s shoe and pushed the attendant. After being confronted, he pushed the same flight attendant again, this time in the chest, while saying he needed to get off the plane. Another flight attendant warned Langston that touching the crew again could cause the flight to return.

The incident was reported to the captain, who declared a Level 2 security threat. Several able-bodied passengers were asked to assist if needed, and one sat next to Langston to monitor him. About 30 minutes later, Langston forcibly stood up, jumped, shadow boxed and struck the assisting passenger in the face.

Langston was taken to the ground, restrained with plastic handcuffs and continued yelling and making statements about death, according to authorities. The flight crew then decided to divert the plane to Omaha.

After landing, Langston was escorted off the aircraft by Omaha Airport Authority Police and booked into Douglas County Corrections.

Federal prosecutors are seeking to have the case tried in Omaha.