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New video shows argument that led to United Airlines passenger being dragged from plane

NEW video recorded on board a United Airlines aircraft shows the moments that led to a passenger being violently dragged from the overbooked flight.

The footage, captured by a passenger sat directly behind Dr David Dao, shows the Kentucky physician telling police he would rather go to jail than get off the plane, saying “you can drag me”.

Earlier footage of Dr Dao being dragged bloodied and screaming from the plane — scheduled to travel from Chicago to Kentucky — has made global headlines, earned the US carrier international condemnation and wiped a reported $1.3 billion from the company’s value.

But vision showing what led to the shocking act adds a surprising twist to the scandalous story.

The clip, recorded by a woman sitting behind Dr Dao, shows him talking on the phone while being asked to leave the aircraft by police.

He refuses, saying: “I won’t go. I’m a physician, have to work tomorrow at 8 o’clock.”

Video captured moments before United Airlines passenger David Dao was dragged from flight shows argument with police. Picture: Joya Griffin Cummings/Storyful
Video captured moments before United Airlines passenger David Dao was dragged from flight shows argument with police. Picture: Joya Griffin Cummings/StoryfulSource:Supplied

Dr Dao is heard to say he will “make a lawsuit against United Airlines” and adamantly refuses to vacate his seat.

A police officer says to Dr Dao: “I have to drag you ... You know how this is going to end up happening, right?”

A clearly angry Dr Dao says the officer can drag him from the flight, and that he’d rather go to jail.

“You can drag me then, I don’t go. I’m staying right me. You’ll have to drag me,” he said.

While the officer explains to Dr Dao that not co-operating will make things “a lot harder for you”, Dr Dao interjects saying “I’d rather go to jail”.

Confused, the cop questions Dr Dao seeking to clarify what he has said.

“You’d rather go to jail that just get off the plane?” he asks.

“Yeah,” Dr Dao is heard to reply.

David Dao — United Airlines passenger removed from flight. Picture: AP
David Dao — United Airlines passenger removed from flight. Picture: APSource:Supplied

Before the clip cuts out Dr Dao is heard complaining that he has travelled “almost 24 hours” coming from LA, and protests further.

The incident that followed — in which Dr Dao is dragged from his seat by police officers obtaining injuries to his face — has made worldwide headlines.

The Elizabethtown man has engaged a legal team and a lawsuit against United Airlines is expected.

After drawing criticism by claiming the passenger was “disruptive and belligerent”, United Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz later issued Dr Dao a grovelling apology.

The embattled CEO has appeared on US TV overnight in full corporate damage control.

“You saw us at a bad moment and it can never and will never happen again on a United Airlines flight and that’s my promise,” Mr Munoz told Good Morning America.

Asked what he thought when he first saw the footage, he said: “The word shame comes to mind.”

“That is not who are family at United is.”

Mr Munoz said the company would no longer use law enforcement officers to remove passengers from overbooked flights.

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

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