A woman stripped naked and attacked multiple people at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport earlier this month, leading to her arrest and placement on a mental health hold, authorities confirmed.
Police identified the suspect as Samantha Palma, who allegedly suffered a manic episode and stabbed at least two people with a pencil while also biting a restaurant manager attempting to restrain her.
According to the incident report, Palma used the manager’s own pencil to stab him in the head and face, causing puncture wounds. She also bit his right forearm, breaking the skin and causing immediate bruising.
Police found Palma behind an emergency exit door near Gate D1 of Terminal D with blood on and around her. Witnesses reported she had stabbed someone, and medics later confirmed the blood on her was not her own.
The incident occurred on March 14, though footage of the attack has since circulated on social media, gaining widespread attention.
When officers restrained Palma, she made incoherent statements, claiming she wanted to be with the flowers and was in a forest. She also referred to herself as various Disney princesses, including Ariel and Pocahontas, and at one point called herself Venus.
Authorities stated that Palma admitted to not taking her prescribed medication, though the specific type was redacted from the report.
Investigators later learned Palma had been traveling with her 8-year-old daughter at the time of the incident. She allegedly told officers they arrived at the airport using a car she had manifested.
Despite her erratic behavior, Palma stated she had no intention of harming herself or others, but said she was trying to make herself better and sometimes that hurts.
Along with being placed on a mental health hold, Palma faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
