A Georgia grandmother and U.S. Army veteran is being hailed as a hero after stopping a passenger from storming the cockpit on a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Tucson. The incident took place on July 16, just 20 minutes into the flight.
Nicole Pruitt, a veteran and mother, acted decisively when a female passenger attempted to break into the cockpit. The woman, according to Pruitt, claimed she had received a divine message telling her to exit the plane mid-flight. Pruitt quickly stepped in while others hesitated. “Nobody else was doing nothing, so I just knew I had to do something,” she told WSAZ 3.
Pruitt tackled and restrained the woman on the floor until flight attendants could assist. A video of the event has since gone viral. Pruitt said her instincts kicked in, and her only thought was returning home safely to meet her new grandson. “I’ve got to make it home to my kids, my children, my grandchildren,” she said.
Her son, Tyrique Perry, waiting for her in Tucson, praised his mother’s bravery. “Those are kids on that plane that have a whole life to live… just people full of life and potential,” he said, adding that her quick action may have saved many lives.
The disruptive passenger’s identity and any charges have not been publicly disclosed. Delta Airlines has not commented on the situation as of yet.
Pruitt’s response drew praise from the public for exemplifying courage and calm under pressure. As a trained veteran and protective grandmother, her actions ensured the safety of dozens on board.
