And so it begins. A handful of days after United Airlines' despicable act against a passenger, the man has spoken up about his ordeal. Chicago attorney Thomas Demetrio, representing David Dao, 69, who was dragged screaming from his seat and off a UA flight, informed that he suffered a serious concussion, a broken nose, the loss of two teeth, and other injuries when he was pulled off United Flight 3411 at O'Hare International Airport.
Demetrio said Dao is at a “secure location” continuing his recovery and will speak publicly at some point. The victim's daughter, Crystal Pepper, attended a news conference with the attorney, and said, “What happened to my dad should never happen to any human being, under any circumstance. We were horrified and shocked to hear and see what had happened to him. We hope in the future that nothing like this ever happens again.”
Demetrio said, “I would defy anyone to suggest there was no unreasonable force and violence used to help Dr Dao disembark that plane.” He said Dao told him that being dragged down the aisle of the plane “was more horrifying and harrowing than what he experienced in leaving Vietnam.” This is the first time the family has spoken publicly about the incident. Pepper said her parents were flying home to Kentucky from a vacation in California, and had landed in Chicago for their connecting flight to Louisville, where both work as doctors.
Pepper said, “It has been a very difficult time for our entire family, especially our dad, and we are truly grateful for all of your support.” Chief Executive of United, Oscar Munoz had issued a public apology on Wednesday in an appearance on ABC's 'Good Morning America'. He said the incident brought him shame. However, he is yet to contact Demetrio or the Dao family.
One of the 70 passengers onboard the flight offered more details about the incident. John Fuller described the scene as chaotic and bloody. He said all passengers were seated and buckled when a United employee came aboard and said that four people would have to leave the plane. “She was very terse. She said 'Four people need to get off this plane, or we're not going anywhere'.” When no one budged, Fuller said the woman left and returned with a list, and marched down the aisle. First she told a young couple they would have to leave and then a woman, then she approached Dao who was sitting in an aisle seat, and he refused.
This was when security was called and three officers boarded the plane.
