Marine Corps veteran kicked off Delta Air Lines flight over ‘threatening’ shirt
A Marine Corps veteran, Catherine Banks, was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight at San Francisco International Airport on October 16 due to her shirt, which read: “Do not give in to the war within. End veteran suicide.”
A flight attendant deemed the shirt “threatening,” prompting Banks to comply and exit the plane. She expressed disbelief, stating her military background and purpose for flying—to visit her Marine sister—should have been respected.
Forced to change her shirt on the jet bridge without a bra, Banks felt humiliated. After changing, she was allowed back on the flight but was reassigned to a seat in the back, causing delays and missed connections.
Delta later reached out to resolve the issue, with a spokesperson referencing their policy to remove passengers if their attire creates an “unreasonable risk of offense.” Many are questioning how a shirt advocating against veteran suicide could be considered threatening.
