United responds after shocking video shows doctor being dragged from plane

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A passenger was forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight by law enforcement on Sunday after refusing to give up his seat.

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According to a person who says they were on the flight, the airline needed room on the overbooked aircraft to reposition crew for another flight. But when it couldn't find enough volunteers, even after offering $800, the airline selected the man, who is a doctor, and several other passengers to deplane.

A video of the incident shows that the man was dragged off the aircraft by police after failing to comply with their orders.

In a statement to Business Insider, United Airlines wrote:

"Flight 3411 from Chicago to Louisville was overbooked. After our team looked for volunteers, one customer refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily and law enforcement was asked to come to the gate. We apologize for the overbook situation. Further details on the removed customer should be directed to authorities."

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However, the video has quickly made its way around the internet, with much of the criticism falling on United.

Please share this video. We are on this flight. United airlines overbooked the flight. They randomly selected people to kick off so their standby crew could have a seat. This man is a doctor and has to be at the hospital in the morning. He did not want to get off. We are all shaky and so disgusted. #unitedairways

Posted by Audra D. Bridges on Sunday, April 9, 2017

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