Several OMAAT readers have brought this story to my attention, and I don’t even know what to say…
In this post:
Man becomes violent at airport, puts toddler in coma
There’s video footage going viral on social media of a recent incident that occurred at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO). In a video that has been viewed tens of millions of times online in the past 24 hours, a 31-year-old Belarusian man can be seen slamming an 18-month-old Iranian refugee into the floor of the airport arrivals hall, head first.
As can be seen in the video footage, the man was standing near a toddler, and was looking around. When he noticed that there was no one around (or something), he picked him up, and slammed him down with force. The toddler is reportedly a refugee from Iran, and his mother just stepped away to collect the boy’s stroller, in the baggage claim part of the airport.
A bystander quickly stepped in to help the boy. Unfortunately he suffered several skull and spinal injuries, and is now in a coma. I hope he makes a full recovery… that’s just awful. At this link you can find the least graphic version of the video. Of course let me caution that most people will likely find this to be quite disturbing, so watch at your own discretion.
How could someone do something like this?!?
Police are now investigating what triggered this man’s behavior. Was it motivated by race or religion, was it just a random act of violence, or what?
A Russian Investigative Committee reports that traces of cannabis were found in the man’s bloodstream, and additional drugs were discovered on his person. I’m not sure what other “drugs” were discovered, but this otherwise doesn’t sound like the typical behavior of someone who smokes weed.
During police questioning, the man admitted to past trouble with the law. The man even reportedly has a daughter around the same age as the toddler he injured… ugh. He’s now being investigated for attempted murder. Per an official government statement:
“A man, while in the airport arrivals area in a state of drug intoxication, grabbed a child and, lifting him, threw him to the floor with considerable force. The boy was hospitalised in a medical facility for assistance. The man’s criminal actions were stopped by eyewitnesses of the incident.”
I can’t even begin to imagine what could posses someone to act this way toward a young child. This is simply unforgivable, and I hope this guy gets severe punishment. I have to imagine he must have some mental issues. While I hope he gets those treated, once those problems get to the point where innocent children are being harmed, the priority needs to be locking him up, so he can’t repeat these kinds of crimes.
Bottom line
A 31-year-old Belarusian man slammed an 18-month-old Iranian refugee into the ground in the arrivals hall in Moscow Airport. There’s no known motive here, which is perhaps the worst part of the story (I mean, not that there’s ever a good motive for being violent toward a child).
The man is now facing attempted murder charges. Hopefully he’s locked up, so he isn’t able to behave this way again…
For people who wanted and update. Seems like the little boy has been able to breathe on his own and just started to have some food on his own also. Recovering well thank God!
HOW CAN SOME ONE DO THAT TOO A SMALL CHILD I HOPE THAT MAN GETS THE DEATH SENTENCE
Despite being a very long term reader of the site I was just about to give up on it , with this post being the "straw that broke the camels back." In my first ever post I let that be known
To Ben's absolute credit he has taken feedback onboard and responded with humility and grace. We all make mistakes - myself perhaps more than most - but it's how we deal with them that...
Despite being a very long term reader of the site I was just about to give up on it , with this post being the "straw that broke the camels back." In my first ever post I let that be known
To Ben's absolute credit he has taken feedback onboard and responded with humility and grace. We all make mistakes - myself perhaps more than most - but it's how we deal with them that matters and Ben has done so with great introspection. Kudos where it's due Ben
I do wish you would put the handbrake on the trend towards tabloid journalism though I do accept:
1) this is first and foremost a business, and if clicks pay the bills then who is anyone to judge
2) you have a family and it's unreasonable for you to travel 24/7 to post reviews
I'll continue to be a reader (clicker/revenue generator) as you professionally acknowledged legitimate feedback are are (hopefully) acting on it
This previously excellent blog used to be full of great content, and fresh reviews of flights & hotels. But what to do if there are none left to review? Clickbait, clickbait, clickbait. I'm shocked at the direction this blog has taken in the last 6-12 months - the content is just so far away from what the core of OMAAT used to be. A great pity.
Not to mention that Ben continues to voice his support for Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, and is a sycophant for the Netanyahu government.
@maestroben1
You're NOT imagining it. The decline is real and palpable. And now seemingly ANYTHING occurring in an airport is considered OMAAT 'newsworthy'. This blog used to be a genuine resource for regular travellers. Now it's TMZ style garbage 50% - 60% of the time.
Why did you omit the fact that the scumbag who committed this heinous crime is an ardent Zionist?
First of all it was an Afghan boy, the MONSTER's name is Vladimir Vitkov, 31 years old Belarusian, hopefully he'll find out about the luxurious 5 star hotel Russian prisons for the next 300 years (speaking about OMAAT blogs)!!! I don't think his religion should be the topic, unless you point it out in every tragic story around the globe, which happens way to much.
Zionism is not a religion, Judaism is. Zionism is a regime that actually takes the most selfish and heinous parts of the religion and leaves out the rest.
Unfortunately, when anyone acts in the name of religion they are seen as crazy unless they are Muslim and then they don't even have to act in the name of religion and the religion is blamed. Again, Zionism is not a religion, it's a gross perversion of one that was good.
Why should it be removed? He is telling the truth. I guess those who are wanting the post to be removed are those associated with the violent man
The guy who did it was a local Jew who is an active Zionist and well known for his support of the criminal Zionist regime. Go figure,
Yeah Ben what are you thinking ? Please bury this story just like every major news agency in the US is. It’s been reporting multiple times of his dual citizenship. Your readers can check out where. It’ll all make sense once you discover why it’s been blocked and many are pressuring to keep it under wraps.
This blog has become less focused on aviation and points/miles strategies. There is so much clickbate now here. Something happens in an airport and it makes the blog.
He is a radical extremist jew from Belarus, one of those terrorist zionist...(Vitkov, Witkoff, same Jewish last name) But they prefer to call him "Belarusian" and blame this monster's reaction on "cannabis". They don't want to sound too "antisemitic", which by the way, most ashkenazis aren't from semitic origin. A monster, a hate crime just like what they've been doing in Gaza with Palestinian children. I smoke cannabis and my grandmother's last name is Tobías,...
He is a radical extremist jew from Belarus, one of those terrorist zionist...(Vitkov, Witkoff, same Jewish last name) But they prefer to call him "Belarusian" and blame this monster's reaction on "cannabis". They don't want to sound too "antisemitic", which by the way, most ashkenazis aren't from semitic origin. A monster, a hate crime just like what they've been doing in Gaza with Palestinian children. I smoke cannabis and my grandmother's last name is Tobías, so I am not anti-Semitic and I know that cannabis won't make you do that; an extremist monster will (and more if he is an alcoholic and uses "heavy drugs").
Do you have a shred of evidence of your allegations, or are you just making unfounded accusations?
To all the people saying this shouldn't have been posted, do you similarly write to newspapers when they report on events you wish hadn't happened? Are the local news profiting off daily tragedies that are breathlessly reported, complete with live correspondents? Is the orthopedic surgeon profiting off the tragedy of a car accident that results in broken bones? Sometimes I can't with y'all.
To the ignoramus:
a.) This is not a newspaper(!)
b.) It's an aviation and (credit card) focused blog(!!)
c.) There are outlets specializing in murders, rapes, lynchings etc.
d.) This is not one such outlet (at least until this post).
e.) We "can't y'all" with self-righteousness. We deal in facts only.
f.) Lucky has acknowledged his bad call. So I suppose that makes your point - whatever it was - irrelevant.
Same. Please spare us this awfulness. Love your blog otherwise.
In NYC we would find out he had 30 prior arrests and was awaiting court appearances for violent behavior in public. Thank god in Russia he'll spend the rest life suffering for his actions and there's little doubt about that.
In my eyes, I think that this post is highly disturbing, but also brings awareness, which is the first step to change in the world. We often think travel is all about showers at 38,000 feet, but it is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes terrifying, as shown on screen.
Everyone is saying this is for clicks, but from what your response mentions, it wasn't. So I might be in the minority, but I appreciate you...
In my eyes, I think that this post is highly disturbing, but also brings awareness, which is the first step to change in the world. We often think travel is all about showers at 38,000 feet, but it is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes terrifying, as shown on screen.
Everyone is saying this is for clicks, but from what your response mentions, it wasn't. So I might be in the minority, but I appreciate you sharing something extremely real, it forces, at least me and probably some others, to look at something discomforting, to feel empathy for the child and parents, and to have compassion.
I'm not buying the Reefer Madness defense. He deserves to spend a few decades in prison. Maybe more as this was a helpless kid.
"How could someone do something like this?!?"
Why is anyone surprised by this, at all? If you've paid even a moment of attention to their illegal war on Ukraine, this is normal for russians.
Wake up.
Geez - what's normal? For the USA - this is not normal? And how about Germany? Every country has its share of idiots. And the guy wasn't even s Russian.
If you even did a moment of research on the war, you would learn who actually started it, and what year. Keep sucking on CNN and PMSMBC and such. And no, that is not normal behavior for Russians or any nationality. YOU wake up. zzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz
Do you know this piece of shits name?
The piece of shit was identified as "Vladimir Vitkov" from Belarus. No doubt, he comes from a long line of shit-eating, toddler-throwing Vitkovs. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5HpPdbeRfA
“Do you know this piece of shits name?”
Stephen Miller, many are saying.
Nobody should be shocked by this. That's is just how Russians are. On a personal level and also internationally. Ask any Ukrainian if this is a surprise.
Russia is a nation of liars, cheats, thieves, mafia goons and yes, monsters. That's who they are.
The world will be a much better place when Russian cities have been reduced to smoking craters.
That is a Belarusian-Israeli, a psychopath taught hatred and violence towards Palestinians and Iranians.
They execute and torture such children on a daily basis in G@za.
This has nothing to do with being Russian, this has to do with being a sick zyonist!
He doesn't have to be taught hatred and violence towards Palestinians and Iranians. Both of those sets of subhuman snackbars exhibit that hatred and violence toward Israelis and Jews on a daily basis. So he responded when given an opportunity.
Are you seriously saying that just because grown adults are in conflict due to territory, it's fine I a child is killed just because of his country of origin?
"Subhuman snackbars"... And these are the people who say the nazism is over?
@Ben if you’re not going to take it down (your blog, your choice), can you at least remove the photo from the front, please? Your usual “greyed out generic aeroplane image” would be preferred. Thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5HpPdbeRfA
Where are all the people that are like "if you don't like it, you don't have to read it now?"
Seems pretty hypocritical.
There is a type and level of content readers expect this blog to curate.
I’m just waiting to hear Hank Garn and they ORD_is_my_2nd_home(or whatever his name is)fella have to say.
Ben, why haven’t you banned them yet? I know a click is a click and engagement is engagement but these are open bigots. If you can remove people for being annoying surely you can do something about these human horror-stories.
Go to hell, Pupu Platter. I'm not commenting on this.
I have long been in the camp of "If you don't like it, don't read or comment on it."
That said, I think this is the first time where I'm going to agree with the sentiment I see all over this comment section and state that this post is below the character and dignity of the OMAAT I've been following for over a decade.
This man is clearly disturbed. I really hope he gets the treatment he needs. I am not a doctor, but I would prescribe a hammer to his skull. Happy to administer it.
I'm more of a chainsaw guy myself - let the motor do the work.
This popped up on my Facebook feed. When did OMAAT become ‘travel WorldStar?’ This crap isn’t just on your site, it’s on all social media platforms where people follow you. Luckily, if I no longer want to see this junk on my social media feeds, I can just unfollow you
LOL the white-ass readership of OMAAT does not known what WSHH is.
DJT, do you feel much better now bro?
You have had your racist rant, one could respond in kind, however, you are probably not intelligent enough to comprehend real English insults.
I feel so badly for the toddler's parents.
I know some are objecting to publishing this article but I think it's appropriate as it has to do with airport safely and traveling. I understand that this is a rare and freak incident but in the world filled with hate and wars, I can see these type of incident will be more. Maybe someone with a toddler reading this article would decide to keep their toddler closer to them the next time at the airport or a public place.
Echo the others, I come here for respite from the world, not a fan of seeing this here.
A rare misstep, first I can remember in probably a decade of reading the blog.
To those who have provided feedback, I just want to say that I hear you, and genuinely appreciate the thoughts.
I totally get why some people don't like this content, and I'll keep it in mind for what I write going forward. Just to provide a bit of background, my logic was that this video had been viewed tens of millions of times in a short period, and I thought it was at least worth...
To those who have provided feedback, I just want to say that I hear you, and genuinely appreciate the thoughts.
I totally get why some people don't like this content, and I'll keep it in mind for what I write going forward. Just to provide a bit of background, my logic was that this video had been viewed tens of millions of times in a short period, and I thought it was at least worth getting out the info that we do know about what happened, for those who are curious. After all, the reason I wrote about this is because several readers reached out to me about the incident. I totally understand how others feel differently, though.
All I can do is apologize and say that I'll keep this in mind in the future. To those recommending I delete the post, I'm not sure that will accomplish a whole lot. Then I'll get just as many comments from people asking why I deleted the post.
But I promise I take this kind of feedback to heart, and will keep it in mind for future content. I've been doing this for 17+ years, and sometimes I get things wrong, so when that's the case, please forgive me. :-)
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the reply.
While I agree that the post shouldn’t be deleted, it may make sense to include a disclaimer for this article (and similiar articles)…something like „that the content is disturbing and not directly linked to aviation/miles/points.“
After all, nobody forces us to read every article of your blog (other than routine) and we are indeed allowed to skip articles…it’s not like we pay a subscription fee with a guaranteed 7 articles per day…
You have been harangued enough, Lucky. We understand you. Now, let us borrow Fordie for the weekend and all will be forgiven.
Thanks for your follow-up comment here, Ben
Well said Ben.
Ben, not everybody has been clutching their pearls over this article as if they only want to see the world through candy-colored glasses; some have voiced your support in publishing whatever you want...it's your blog! I think it's an important reminder to never leave your kids out of your sight, including at an airport.
As a longtime reader since the times when the articles had great headlines, like "Chasing the Sun", or "The Last Aeroplan Hurrah", I can't understand why this post was made. Simply because it happened on an airport?
You deserve a lot of credit for your great work and usually I like your points of view even when the subject is unrelated to miles or travel.
But this one was completely unnecessary, I hope...
As a longtime reader since the times when the articles had great headlines, like "Chasing the Sun", or "The Last Aeroplan Hurrah", I can't understand why this post was made. Simply because it happened on an airport?
You deserve a lot of credit for your great work and usually I like your points of view even when the subject is unrelated to miles or travel.
But this one was completely unnecessary, I hope it is the first and last time something like this becomes a post here on OMAAT.
Reader of 15 years.
Truly hoping this entire post gets removed. Can't believe Ben posted it to begin with.
It's very important to shed light on this situation. I believe the man is in prison but recently posted bond. I heard he beat his ex wife's child because he didn't like her ex. I truly believe he will be in prison the rest of his life
Hopefully, he'll get shanked in prison as inmates don't like child abusers. They'll probably end his life there. Karma's a bitch.
Belarusian and Russian parents are known to carry kids and then drop them on purpose. They tell the kids "see, you cannot trust anyone, remember that! "
Says a lot about the people not wanting to humanise a child... Right on you for sharing it highlights how you have to keep your children close to you at airports because of crazy racist people
Excellent post. Get the truth out faster. I just wonder why oh why are the other comments defending the guys actions? I am confused
Agree with others, this is a new low. I'm removing OMAAT from my bookmarks (like I did with LALF). I'll still visit occasionally but much less frequently.
And the world kept spinning...
I came here fully expecting to see this story on the blog this morning. This is real life, not some fantasy about taking a shower in mid-air. Nobody has to click on the link to watch the video. I absolutely would have posted this story as well, if for no other reason than to remind people to not let go of their children in public. Relax everyone.
Exactly
But you forget, Americans love to police the world and pass judgement on others. Have you watched them as they travel internationally and comment “we don’t do it that way, you should change”.
Hi Ben,
I’ve been a long-time follower of your work and this site—drawn here by your sharp insights, aviation coverage, and thoughtful takes on the industry. That’s why it’s been really disappointing to see the increasing number of posts lately that stray from aviation—not just off-topic, but often veering into sensationalism and obvious clickbait. BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH.
Everyone evolves, and platforms can grow, but it’s worth asking: what kind of space do you...
Hi Ben,
I’ve been a long-time follower of your work and this site—drawn here by your sharp insights, aviation coverage, and thoughtful takes on the industry. That’s why it’s been really disappointing to see the increasing number of posts lately that stray from aviation—not just off-topic, but often veering into sensationalism and obvious clickbait. BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH.
Everyone evolves, and platforms can grow, but it’s worth asking: what kind of space do you want this to be?
The community you’ve built deserves better than reactive headlines and shock value. I say this not to attack, but because I genuinely hope you’ll take a step back and reflect on the direction of the blog, and maybe return to the focus and quality that made it so respected in the first place.
Disappointed, but still hopeful.
Long time reader of OMAAT. The content of this post does not belong here. I agree with the vast majority of the comments. This is not aviation related. There are innovative and thoughtful stories to be told in the travel world.
Ben - I am a huge fan of yours; been following you since the onset.
I have never had any issues with your post but this one seems out of bounds.
I would recommend you take it down.
Hi Ben,
Not sure if the video needs to be linked on your OMAAT blog.
Agreeing with everyone else. Please consider taking this article down Ben. Yes, it happened at an airport but it really doesn't belong here.
This has been reported by news outlets all over the world, yet many of you are blaming Ben for also reporting it? Are you going to write the same comments to the other hundreds of outlets? If you don’t like the content of a post, you have the choice not to read it. It’s nothing less than immature to try to censor Ben…the lack of logic is feeble-minded.
Exactly
OMG :( I hope the boy recovers, however the trauma could be long term . Terrible
This post belongs on this blog.
Most of us travel. Many of us travel or have traveled with kids. It is natural and common to separate from your kids by a few feet at times of reclaiming baggage. This could have happened to anyone of us.
Echoing the sentiments of others, I believe this is a new low for reporting on this blog. Don't come at me with comments like "it happened at an airport" or "just because Ben didn't post it doesn't mean it didn't happen."
This post is clearly designed to generate ad revenue and create buzz. At what point do we say enough is enough?
Ben what is the point of posting this. You have spent more than a decade building a quality travel resource and a trusted audience.
Surely your business has been very successful and you are not desperate enough for clicks and cheap revenue that you are resorting to this?
Shame on you.
Another example of a Zionist, this time one residing in Belarus, inflicting hatred onto the world.
Terrible than an innocent family has to go through this, just because of the colour of their skin.
Shameful.
Seems like Ben’s pro-Russia readership doesn’t want to see what their favorite country is truly about.
I would have said the same as it was someone in the US, Denmark or Spain: this doesn't belong on this blog and is only clickbait.
What does Russia or Russians have to do here? The guy isn't a Russian even.
What does Russia or Russians have to do here? The guy isn't a Russian even.
I am sad for watching that. I actually couldnt finish it. There is no need for this travel blog to have that on it.
Really don’t see why this horrific story needed to be reported here. Ben could have used better judgement on this one.
Thanks Lucky for reminding us why we NEVER leave children unattended.
Animals acting like animals in animal land. Does anyone else want to include Russian/Belarussian again in the community of humans or is this proof enough?
How about we exclude you and your country from the ranks of "humans"? And, once we are at it - what grade of human are you?
Anyone have the link to the full unedited version?
There is a website for such things called Liveleaks or go to the Nexta channel on Telegram (they are an indie news channel that covers Russia and other Slavic countries), go there and search, not here.
I found it! Thank you! The full video is amazing! He really clobbered that kid. Lol
You are weird…
Couldn't bring myself to watch the video, have a toddler about to turn 2 soon... agree with other posts. Please remove.
If you don’t want to watch just move along. There are plenty of us that do. Sheesh!
I've read this blog for a long time, usually daily. I've noticed a precipitous decline of its standards, becoming increasingly more like tabloid click-bait. As some have said, we have a choice what posts to read and which to ignore and until this point I've done exactly that. But this post is it - enough is enough. I'll pop back later to see if this post is gone and/or an apology issued but if not then I'm gone and you can get your clicks elsewhere Ben
I think this is a shocking revelation of what Ben will do for clicks. I know standards have been falling but this is the lowest. You should be ashamed of yourself Mr Schlappig.
No. Just...NO. This is a bad judgement call, Ben. This story does not belong here, no matter how many clicks it may prompt. A tragedy involving a child should be left well alone, and not be a revenue-raising exercise. It feels like blood money.
But…it happened at an airport!!!!
Couldnt agree more with some of the comments below. Just because it happened at an airport does not qualify it as being aviation related. This blog isnt the place for something like this.
Same here, Ben posts too many of these "someone behaving badly in a place that is vaguely aviation related" items. Unless it is relevant to everyday flying I don't want to see it. People behave badly everywhere.
I have no idea why you would share this. Doesn't fit your content at all. Why?
No Ben. This is too much. This is a story I dont want to see here. Please remove it.
Completely agree, this will take along time for me to get out of my mind, a highly inappropriate post IMHO.
+1
Same. Sure, remotely aviation related because it happened at an airport, but is it that newsworthy to share?
It is newsworthy for sure but maybe not on OMAAT. This is the same exact issue like the Israeli defense firms drama in Paris Air Show. It is stressing the limit of the meaning of this blog
He will be executed by Ukrainian firing squad…
He will be certainly signing a military contract in the coming months to join the next batch of human meat grinders