https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ktnv.com/news/air-traveler-accused-of-punching-pilot-at-vegas-airport-gate%3f_amp=true

Hers a reason why some pilots wear a plain jacket over their uniform. I’ve been cussed at , insulted but never hit.

I wouldn't say THAT is the reason some wear plain jackets. The article says the pilot intervened. If someone wants to wear a plain jacket and stay incognito, I'd say that would also mean they would rather not intervene.

Crazy but not so crazy story though

A passenger assaults a uniformed crew member and gets a ticket??
While I'm not advocating he gets dragged out of sight and beaten to a pulp, can a passenger expect a ticket for the same behavior once in flight?
Would punching a police officer result in said ticket?
You are required by the FOM to be in uniform while on duty. It is the responsibility of the airline and authorities to ensure you are safe and protected to go about your duty. Hiding in plain North Face should not be the solution.
Airlines in much less litigious Europe are beginning to take unruly pax to court for compensation, I think we should consider that too, as a way to set an example, and ensure this individual is never allowed within 100 feet of a US airport again.
//PL

Assaulting an on-duty crew member is actually a federal felony. If the yokels didn't call the FBI, I would have. Assuming the guy was on duty.

That statute is limited to while on board an aircraft, so the feds would have no jurisdiction.

That would’ve been free reign to beat the sh!t out of that pax. I would’ve. Self defense. How often do you get a free pass to knock out some drunk A-hole?

I’ll go out on a limb here and suggest that the above is bad legal advice.

Never take legal advice from a pilot!

The only advice to take from a pilot is the best place to buy white velcro shoes, and the best way to get to Chilis.

Although standing up to some belligerent person may open one up to silly litigious actions, I would hope that when one of my crew (or even a crew from a different airline) may be physically confronted, any one of us would be willing to get involved to break it up.

It seems that we have become intimidated by the stories of legal bullying to the point of not wanting to get involved. Lots of sheep standing around.