❓WHAT HAPPENED: A private jet registered to KTKJ Challenger LLC—owned by Texas personal injury attorneys and anti-Trump donors Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnold—crashed on take-off at Bangor International Airport last night amid heavy snow.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jason Itkin, Kurt Arnold, eight people onboard the flight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Bangor International Airport officials.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The crash occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with new details emerging on Monday.
💬KEY QUOTE: The biography for Kurt Arnold emphasizes that he secured the “largest settlement for an undocumented worker in United States history.”
🎯IMPACT: While the reason for the Arnold and Itkin-connected jet being in Maine remains unknown, it is notable that immigration is a major field of practice for the law firm, and Maine has seen significant U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the last two weeks.
A privately owned Bombardier CL-600 Challenger jet crashed during take-off at the Bangor International Airport in Maine at 7:45 PM on Sunday amid heavy snow. The private plane—believed to be carrying eight people—was registered to KTKJ Challenger LLC, a company owned by Texas trial attorneys Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnold, two political donors who have aggressively supported Democrat and anti-Trump Republican candidates in the Lone Star State.
While initial reports were unclear on the condition of the eight passengers, by Monday morning, it was presumed that all on board were deceased. However, it appears one crew member survived the crash and is in serious condition. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities continue to investigate the crash site and the cause of the plane’s crash moments after takeoff. It remains unknown whether Itkin or Arnold was on board, or why the plane was in Maine when the law firm’s primary base of practice is in Texas.
Best known for their personal injury and liability practice, Arnold and Itkin are also major donors to Democrat and anti-Trump candidates in Texas. On the Arnold & Itkin website, the biography for Kurt Arnold emphasizes that he secured the “largest settlement for an undocumented worker in United States history.” Additionally, the attorneys helped found the Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC, which received a $10 million contribution from their law firm—the PAC has been active in supporting anti-Trump candidates in the state’s Republican primaries. During the 2024 election, Arnold & Itkin backed an effort aimed to “Stop MAGA Republicans,” along with Democrat mega-donor George Soros.
The influence of trial lawyers in Texas politics has long been a major concern in the state. Trial attorneys have been known to spend heavily in state elections to influence the legislature and ensure the enactment of the most pro-litigation policies.
While the reason for the Arnold and Itkin-connected jet being in Maine remains unknown, it is notable that immigration is a major field of practice for the law firm, and Maine has seen significant U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the last two weeks. The National Pulse reported last week that Representative Jared Golden (D-ME) urged locals not to interfere with ICE operations occurring in the state, arguing, “A targeted law enforcement operation focused on individuals who have engaged in criminal activity serves the public interest.”
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