Update from the CEO of United Airlines
United Airlines overbooked a plane out of Chicago and was looking for people to give up their seats on Sunday. They started with offers of $400 then $800 but no one wanted to exchange their seats for the cash and a later flight.
A manager came on board and selected 4 people to be removed including the man in the video who is reportedly a doctor.
Now obviously if a police officer tells you to do something... Do It... However the police reaction to the man not wanting to leave his seat seems really aggressive for this situation.
A witness told the Buiness Insider "The airline needed room on the overbooked flight to reposition crew for another flight. But, when they couldn't find enough volunteers, even after offering $800, the airline selected the passenger in question, along with several others to deplane."
In a statement to Business Insider, United Airlines said:
"Flight 3411 from Chicago to Louisville was overbooked. After our team looked for volunteers, one customer refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily and law enforcement was asked to come to the gate.
We apologize for the overbook situation. Further details on the removed customer should be directed to authorities."