NEW YORK — An American Airlines flight from New York to California had to divert and make an early landing Wednesday after a passenger assaulted a flight attendant, according to a report by the Associated Press.

The plane left from JFK around 5 p.m. and was heading for John Wayne Airport in Orange County.

Witnesses say about halfway through flight 976, a passenger punched a flight attendant over having to wear a mask.

That's when the plane diverted to Denver, where the suspect was taken into custody. 

"I understand that they actually punched her twice. I did see her walk back down the aisle afterwards. She had blood splattered on the outside of her mask," said Mackenzie Rose, a passenger on the flight. "If you're not prepared to wear a mask, you're not prepared to fly."

American Airlines says in a statement it's outraged over the incident and is working with authorities.