Watch CBS News

Chicago fires 2 security officers in United Airlines passenger dragging case

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Department of Aviation has fired two security officers who were involved in an incident in which a passenger was dragged off a United Airlines flight after he refused to give up his seat.

Officials say one of those officers, a sergeant, was part of an attempt to cover up details of the incident that happened in April at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

"As we have clearly stated, the department is taking every action in our power to ensure that an incident like this never, ever occurs again," the department said in a statement Tuesday.

United Airlines settles with passenger dragged off of plane 05:19

Four officers were involved in the incident related to passenger David Dao, who had been aboard a flight to Louisville, Kentucky. The department suspended the two other officers, and one of those officers resigned.

Dao's attorney, Thomas Demetri, said it was unfortunate the employees lost their jobs.

The city's Office of Inspector General said in a report released Tuesday that as a result of the office's findings and recommendations, the Aviation Department fired an officer who "improperly escalated the incident" and a sergeant involved in removing facts from a report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.