An unusual scene unfolded in an Atlanta courtroom when a man charged with assaulting TSA agents asked a judge if he could still catch his flight to New York.
Oreoluwa Oloruntoba, aged 30, made the unexpected request during a court appearance on Wednesday. He faced charges related to an alleged attempt to bypass a TSA checkpoint and an altercation with a police officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport earlier in the week, according to a report by WSBTV.
Authorities claim that Oloruntoba sprinted through the security area in an attempt to board a flight to New York without having his bags checked or passing through scanners, and shoved a TSA officer who tried to detain him.
During his court hearing, Judge Latrevia Kates-Johnson informed him of the charges, stating, “You breached security and engaged in a physical confrontation with the officers attempting to arrest you.”
Oloruntoba responded, “Um, yes. I didn’t shove any of the officers. I was just kind of—” but was interrupted by the judge, who advised him to reserve his defense for the trial.
Seemingly unfazed by the situation, Oloruntoba then asked, “So, I can still reschedule the airline?” hoping the judge could assist him with his travel plans to New York.
“As long as you go properly through the checkpoint,” Judge Kates-Johnson replied — though Oloruntoba actually remains in custody, having yet to pay a $9,000 bond, according to records.
Oloruntoba has been charged with simple battery, obstructing an officer, and interfering with security measures. A preliminary hearing is set for June 9.
Stunned fellow travelers said they couldn’t believe what Oloruntoba allegedly did just to try and make his flight.
“That’s crazy. That’s ridiculous. Sometimes you just got to miss the flight,” Amber Mixon told WSB-TV.
“I get here on time. I get here ahead of time. If I’m headed to my mom’s funeral, I might do that. Short of that, not happening,” Joe Stampone said.
It is not the first alleged breach of Atlanta’s airport security checkpoints in recent months.
Fabian Leon, 40, allegedly rushed a TSA checkpoint before being bodyslammed by a bystander on Oct. 30, 2025.
He was charged with simple battery and avoiding security measures, and is due in a state criminal court for a hearing on June 3.
