By In a disturbing incident that blends elements of domestic abuse and air rage, 75-year-old evangelical pastor Roger Allan Holmberg Sr. is facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting his wife during an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Anchorage on July 2. The altercation, which erupted over a first-class upgrade dispute, has raised serious concerns about in-flight safety and domestic violence.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by The Independent, Holmberg verbally abused his 59-year-old wife, Patti, before physically assaulting her after learning she had been upgraded to first class while he remained in economy. The couple, married for just 18 months following the death of Holmberg’s previous wife, were traveling from their home in Virginia to Alaska for a ministry-related meeting.
Witnesses, including an off-duty police officer, reported multiple confrontations during the 3.5-hour flight. Holmberg initially approached his wife in first class, demanding to know how she got the upgrade. When she explained her gold member status, he was told not to speak to her in that manner. He later returned, insisting she read something on his phone before making an offensive gesture. The situation escalated when Holmberg allegedly struck the top of his wife’s head with his hand, prompting the off-duty officer to intervene and threaten handcuffing if the disturbances continued.
This incident has brought to light a history of alleged abuse within the couple’s relationship. Patti revealed to authorities that Holmberg had previously broken her finger during a confrontation last September, suggesting a pattern of domestic violence.
When questioned by the FBI, Holmberg attempted to downplay his actions, claiming he merely “tapped his wife on the head in passing to get her attention.” He also accused his wife of being “disrespectful” and having “anger issues,” even alleging past instances of physical abuse against him.
The incident has resulted in serious consequences for Holmberg. He was arrested upon landing in Anchorage and is scheduled to appear in court. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison. Additionally, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson confirmed that Holmberg has been banned from their flights, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
This case highlights the prevalence of domestic abuse, even among religious leaders, and the potential for seemingly minor disputes to escalate into dangerous situations on flights. It also emphasizes the importance of bystander intervention in preventing further harm and the serious legal consequences of in-flight disturbances.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic abuse and the need for vigilance and intervention in both public and private spaces. It also underscores the zero-tolerance policy airlines maintain for disruptive and violent behavior, regardless of the perpetrator’s social status or profession.
Daily MailOnline
