On July 1, 2025, a violent incident occurred aboard Frontier Airlines flight 1203 from Philadelphia to Miami, involving 21-year-old Ishaan Sharma, an Indian-origin man from Newark, New Jersey. Sharma was arrested upon landing at Miami International Airport and charged with battery following an altercation with fellow passenger Keanu Evans. The incident, partially captured in a viral video, shows Sharma and Evans engaged in a physical struggle, with both men attempting to choke each other while other passengers and a flight attendant tried to intervene, shouting for them to stop.
According to Evans, who was seated one row ahead of Sharma, the incident was unprovoked. He reported to WSVN that Sharma began acting erratically, muttering strange phrases and issuing death threats, including a “dark laugh” and statements like, “You puny, mortal man, if you challenge me, it will result in your death.” Alarmed, Evans informed the flight attendants after using the restroom and was advised to press the assistance button if the behavior continued. When Sharma allegedly continued his threats, Evans pressed the button, which reportedly escalated the situation. Sharma confronted Evans, going “forehead to forehead” before grabbing his throat and choking him. Evans defended himself, leading to a physical brawl in the confined space of the aircraft.
The altercation left Sharma with a black eye and a laceration above his left eyebrow, while Evans sustained minor scratches. A mugshot released after the incident showed Sharma with visible injuries, including a swollen, bruised eye. Evans expressed regret over the violent outcome, stating to WSVN, “It makes me feel bad because I don’t want people to get the wrong idea about who I am as a person.”
Sharma’s attorney, Renee Gordon, provided a different account, claiming the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Gordon said Sharma was meditating as part of his religious practice, and the passenger behind him—presumably Evans—misinterpreted this “silent practice” as threatening. However, the judge was unconvinced by this defense, setting Sharma’s bond at $500 and issuing a stay-away order, prohibiting him from contacting Evans or visiting his school or workplace.
The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with some X posts condemning Sharma’s actions and calling for a lifetime flight ban, while others noted the chaotic nature of the event. The case remains under investigation, with Sharma in custody facing battery charges
