GoFundMe launched for viral flight hero “Linebacker17C” after midair takedown

Rayshaun Riley, a Los Angeles school security guard now known nationwide as “Linebacker17C,” is being celebrated for his courageous intervention aboard a Breeze Airways flight that was forced to divert to Grand Junction, Colorado, due to a violent midair incident.

The midair incident

On August 13, 2025, David Carver Jr. disrupted a flight from Norfolk to Los Angeles with aggressive behavior.

Federal authorities reported Carver appeared intoxicated and acted belligerently throughout the flight. He shouted obscenities, made sexually explicit and racially charged remarks, and broke free from zip-tie restraints twice. He reportedly threw trash down the aisle, struck a flight attendant’s hand, and waved a skateboard in a threatening manner.

Linebacker17C aka Rayshaun Riley comes to the rescue

Riley, seated in row 17C with his son, responded swiftly. Standing at 6-foot-6, the seasoned security guard calmly approached Carver. He lifted him off the ground, and forced him into an empty seat, restraining him until law enforcement could intervene upon landing. “We’re 30,000 feet in the air—ain’t no telling what he was gonna do,” Riley later said.

Video footage of the incident quickly went viral, with passengers and social media users dubbing Riley “Linebacker17C” in admiration of his strength and composure. The nickname has since become a symbol of courage and community protection.

GoFundMe campaign created for support

In response to overwhelming public support, Riley’s sister, Lakeisha Walker, launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser aims to honor Riley’s bravery and assist with any related expenses. “He just was answering the call of help from the airline steward, protecting the passengers, and wanted everyone to make it home safely to their families,” Walker wrote. Riley has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying he never imagined his actions would resonate so widely.

GoFundMe

Riley works at Robert E. Peary Middle School in Gardena, California, where he’s affectionately known as a “gentle giant.” Principal Christina Green praised his character, stating, “That sounds like something Mr. Riley would do to ensure everyone’s safety”.

As federal investigations continue, Riley’s story stands as a powerful example of courage under pressure. It is a reminder that everyday heroes often emerge in extraordinary moments.