A Brazilian couple was arrested Sunday, March 2, at Miami International Airport in Florida after trying to force their way onto a flight to Cancun, Mexico. The detainees, identified as Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, 41, and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia, 29, were late for their American Airlines flight and, when prevented from boarding, attempted to gain unauthorized access to the plane, local authorities reported.
During the altercation, airport staff alerted the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), which sent several officers to intervene. In a video posted on social media, Seirafe-Novaes is seen struggling with at least five police officers before being restrained and handcuffed at the boarding gate.
According to police statements reported by NBC News, the couple became aggressive with airline staff, and in the midst of the altercation, one of the suspects threw coffee at an American Airlines employee. The situation later escalated until officers detained both passengers.
Videos shared on social media show Seirafe-Novaes being restrained by several officers, while Rapoport De Campos Maia was restrained by another agent and sitting in a chair, according to Fox News. The airline confirmed to CBS News that the affected employee belongs to American Airlines and that airport security had to intervene due to the violent attitude of the passengers.
After their arrest, Seirafe-Novaes and Rapoport De Campos Maia were charged with two counts of assault and trespassing after receiving a warning, according to their arrest records reviewed by People. In addition, Seirafe-Novaes faces an additional charge for resisting arrest.
After their release, the couple spoke exclusively to CBS News Miami, where they denied having committed an assault. “Nobody threw coffee. He fell,” said Rapoport De Campos Maia. The woman also accused the employee who pointed her out of “lying.” For his part, Seirafe-Novaes maintained that he did not resist the authorities and that the injuries to his knees were a result of the struggle with the police. “No, no. I’m not crazy. We don’t throw coffee. I drink coffee,” the man said in statements to CBS News.
The altercation caused a delay of more than 20 minutes on American Airlines flight 2494, which was scheduled to take off at 9:01 a.m. to arrive in the Mexican city at 10:56 a.m., but finally left at 9:10 a.m., and arrived in Cancun at 11:22 a.m., as confirmed by the airline to People.
In a statement, American Airlines reiterated its stance against any type of violence and assured that it is collaborating with the investigations. “Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines, and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in this investigation,” the company said in a message.
According to the United States Department of Justice, intentional acts of violence at an international airport constitute a federal crime, which could entail severe penalties. Penalties can reach fines of up to $250,000 and sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Authorities continue to investigate the case to determine the legal impact that Seirafe-Novaes and Rapoport De Campos Maia will face, while the video of the altercation continues to go viral on social media. United States federal laws establish strict penalties for passengers who interfere with security at airports or airlines.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), any physical or verbal altercation with airport personnel can result in arrest, fines, and being banned from flying on certain airlines.
