Man Accused Of Attacking Flight Attendant In Possible Hate Crime

A 32-year-old man in Arizona has been arrested after he allegedly attacked a female flight attendant at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. Police are investigating it as a hate crime.

Brandon Smith was arrested Friday and charged with three counts of assault and one count of probation violation, WHIO reported, citing Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office online booking records.

Smith allegedly attacked the flight attendant, whose name and age were not disclosed, at around 2:15 a.m. local time Friday as she was leaving the airport, according to KPNX-TV.

The woman suffered minor injuries from the incident.

Police would not say what specifically Smith said to the victim or how the attack occurred, according to KPHO-TV.

"The safety and security of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are very concerned about the assault of this employee and we commend her for her bravery and composure, which assisted Police in quickly arresting the suspect," read an official statement from Sky Harbor.

"We are constantly assessing the security environment at the airport, and we will closely examine what lead to this incident to determine whether additional security measures can and should be implemented," the statement continued.

One unnamed flight attendant said she was not surprised by the news that someone had been attacked, pointing out the lack of security in the area.

“I was shocked but not really shocked because I’ve seen what’s around in the area,” the flight attendant, who asked not to be identified, told KPHO. “And there hasn’t been security or whatnot up here.”

The unnamed flight attendant added that she always makes sure that she is not left alone in the area at night.

“I’m always making sure if I am alone here at night, if I get off a trip we’re pretty good that we have co-workers, pilots or whatnot that we’re making sure we’re going in pairs,” she said.

When asked by KPHO if they’re increasing patrols following the attack, the airport and Phoenix police, which provide security for the airport, stated, “Sky Harbor has a Phoenix Police Airport Bureau on-site, with Phoenix Police officers working at the airport 24/7.”

Smith was set to go before a judge late Friday night.

Phoenix police said that their investigation continues and that more charges are likely.