The headline writer is using a direct quote from the traveler in question. When you’re quoting “ “, you use the exact words.
Would the writer have used the exact words had the person in question said “Back off mother*&^%$$!”? Of course not. Therefore, the headline writer has no problem using the freshest ghetto slang out there. This, I believe, is not a good thing. Headline writers in the, say, 1950s did not do this.