Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s niece allegedly assaulted was forcibly removed from a plane in and retaliated by allegedly committing battery against the officers removing her.
Shannon Epstein, 25, boarded a Spirit Airlines flight from Louis Armstrong International Airport in Louisiana on Thanksgiving Day when she asked a family she perceived to be Latino if they were “smuggling cocaine,” according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Jason Rivarde. Epstein allegedly continued to cause a scene after the plane pulled away from the gate, with agents eventually deciding to have her removed before the plane took off.
ODELL BECKHAM JR. ESCORTED FROM FLIGHT BY POLICE OVER ‘MEDICAL EMERGENCY’
Deputies met Epstein on the jet bridge after the plane returned from the runway to the gate, where she refused to leave and became “extremely combative” according to Rivarde. Epstein then allegedly fought and injured six deputies including kicking one in the groin and biting another until skin broke. She also allegedly kicked another in the groin. Injured deputies received medical attention at the scene.
It took seven deputies to eventually handcuff Epstein to a wheelchair to escort her to the airport security office. All the while, Epstein threatened the officers that they would lose their jobs due to her uncle’s status as a prominent Republican, shouted vulgarities, and bragged that her uncle is a friend to former President Donald Trump.
Eventually Epstein was booked to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on six charges of of battery on a police officer, three of disturbing the peace, one of resisting arrest by force and one of remaining after forbidden. She was released that same day after paying her bail of $10,750.
Christie has not made a public comment on the matter but tweeted that day: “I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and that you all found the time, as I did, to take stock of all the blessings we have been granted.”
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Epstein’s next court date is Jan. 23 in Louisiana’s Jefferson Parish.
