Florida evangelist removed from Alaska flight after sermon

A Florida evangelist was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight at Orlando International Airport on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after delivering an impromptu sermon to passengers during a pre-takeoff delay. Whitney Lynn, 40, was escorted off the aircraft before it departed for San Diego after the flight crew stated they did not feel safe with her onboard.

The incident occurred on Alaska Airlines Flight 708, which was delayed prior to departure. Lynn stood in the aisle and addressed the cabin, stating in videos she later posted online that while the wait was frustrating, "God's timing is perfect" and that the delay might be sparing them from danger. She encouraged passengers to know that "Jesus Christ loves you." The sermon lasted less than a minute, according to her account.

After she returned to her seat, an airline employee approached and instructed her to gather her belongings and deplane. When Lynn asked for an explanation, the employee told her the crew did not feel safe with her remaining on the aircraft. Lynn responded by questioning how the message of Jesus Christ could be unsafe and asked if her freedom of speech was being violated. As she left, she described the situation...