Congresswoman’s Airport Outburst Under Investigation
In a recent incident at a South Carolina airport, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) raised her voice at a police officer for being late to escort her, turning what was described as a “minor misunderstanding” into a notable outburst, according to an internal report.
Mace, 47, anticipated immediate assistance from Charleston Airport police upon her arrival on October 30. However, frustration surged after a supervisor misidentified her vehicle, delaying her engagement with lawmakers and law enforcement as detailed in a 10-page investigation report.
The congresswoman arrived in a “gray/silver BMW” instead of the “white” BMW referenced by the supervisor. According to the report, the supervisor acknowledged hastily reading the email and relayed incorrect information.
A subsequent report from Airport Police Chief James A. Woods emphasized that communication difficulties were exacerbated by “high turnover” in Mace’s office. The finding stated, “While it is clear that we bear some responsibility for the misunderstanding about the color of Rep. Mace’s car, the failure to follow established procedures at the checkpoint also contributed to this situation escalating unnecessarily.”
Despite the hiccup, Mace was held at a TSA checkpoint for only six minutes. During that time, she did not hold back her anger towards the supervising TSA agent and the officers, even expressing, “I’ve had enough.”
A security source recounted how, when officers arrived at the checkpoint, Mace was already on the phone stating phrases like, “I can’t wait” and commenting how these situations occur frequently.
Earlier reports indicated that Mace mentioned it wouldn’t have been as much of an issue if she were a senator, suggesting that GOP Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) would not receive similar treatment. In another confrontational moment, she insisted to a supervisor, “You need to go get someone, because I’m not going through your TSA line.”
Describing Mace’s demeanor, one TSA official remarked that her tone was “very unpleasant and very disrespectful,” asserting that her conduct was inappropriate for someone in her position.
As airport police soon found themselves on the receiving end of her frustration, she reportedly exclaimed, “I’m tired of waiting,” expressing her impatience and disbelief at the delay.
Another TSA officer reported hearing Mace call an officer a “fucking idiot” and declare that they were incompetent, voicing that such behavior is “highly inappropriate.” The atmosphere among other officers was described as strained, with reports stating they felt “visibly shaken.” At the time, the TSA employees were not receiving pay due to a federal government shutdown.
When Mace’s staff requested a security escort due to “multiple threats” to her safety, it was noted that she often wasn’t where she indicated she would be, complicating the situation further.
Mace’s office reportedly did not provide specific details regarding the threats when questioned by airport police.
In response to the investigation, a spokesperson for Mace expressed gratitude for the findings and emphasized a focus on the real issues affecting South Carolinians, such as affordability and law enforcement.
Senator Scott publicly criticized Mace’s behavior, stating, “It is never acceptable to criticize a police officer, airport worker, or TSA officer who is simply doing their job,” underscoring that vulgar language is inappropriate from a member of Congress.
Currently, Mace’s approval rating sits at 18%, placing her just behind the leading Republican candidate for governor, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evett.
