This fearless grandmother made sure things didn’t spiral out of control at 30,000 feet.
A grandmother from Georgia who also happens to be a military veteran is being praised as a hero after she reportedly stepped in to stop a chaotic scene mid-flight. She acted fast when a fellow passenger allegedly tried to storm the cockpit during a Delta flight last week.
“Nobody else was doing nothing, so I just knew I had to do something.” Nicole Pruitt told 13 News as she recounted how the incident unfolded.
The determined grandma was first spotted in a now-viral TikTok video.
The dramatic encounter happened on July 16 as Pruitt was flying from Atlanta, Georgia, to Tucson, Arizona. She was on her way to meet her new grandson for the very first time.
But about 20 minutes into the flight, things took a scary turn. A female passenger reportedly tried to push her way toward the cockpit and the plane’s emergency exit door — a situation that’s unfortunately becoming more common in recent times.
According to WSAZ 3 reported, the woman told others that she had received a divine message commanding her to act.
“She didn’t want to be on the plane anymore.” Pruitt, who served in the Army for 26 years, recalled. “She said God told her to do it. She had a calling.”
That was all the motivation she needed. The experienced veteran quickly got up and decided she had to step in before things got worse.
“I’m, like, ‘Wait a minute … Not today,'” remembered the Georgia native, who moved fast to help get the disruptive flyer under control as the pilot prepared to turn the plane back.
A video captured shortly after the incident shows the woman lying facedown in the aisle, her hands tied behind her back. Pruitt can be seen calmly standing nearby, keeping watch over the situation.
“I will whoop her a–,” the fearless grandmother is heard saying as she returned to her seat after helping secure the scene.
Despite everything, she remained focused on her mission to reunite with her family. “I’ve got to make it home to my kids, my children, my grandchildren.” Pruitt said, expressing what was on her mind during the ordeal.
Pruitt’s son, Tyrique Perry, who had been eagerly waiting for her arrival in Tucson, shared that he was “not surprised” to hear what she had done.
“Sometimes, it’s just a natural instinct and you’ve got to get it done.” he told viewers after posting the dramatic footage on TikTok so others could see just how courageous his mom had been.
Once the video started making the rounds, people everywhere began praising the brave veteran.
“This woman is a hero.” one supporter commented. Another person added, “Thank you, Queen Nikki.”
Many took to social media to suggest that Delta Airlines should reward Pruitt for her quick thinking and bravery. “Bless this woman and what she did for everyone on that flight!!” one person urged. “Delta step up and take care of her ForEva!!!!”
Another echoed that sentiment by writing, “Delta needs to have this woman fly free for life! first class.”
Delta later issued a statement addressing the incident and thanking everyone who helped bring things under control.
“Delta sincerely appreciates the actions of our crew and customers for de-escalating this situation.” the airline said in their message. “We apologize to our customers for the delay and thank them for their understanding.”