UPDATE: A newly released internal report has exposed a tense confrontation involving Rep. Nancy Mace at Charleston International Airport on October 30, 2023. The findings indicate that a minor logistical error spiraled into a significant altercation with airport security and TSA officers, raising questions about her conduct and its implications.
The incident began when Mace’s designated escort was not present upon her arrival, leading to confusion. According to the New York Post, a supervisor mistakenly indicated she would arrive in a white vehicle, while she actually pulled up in a grey BMW. This miscommunication collided with Mace’s unusual practice of using the encrypted app Signal for coordinating details, a method that has reportedly created logistical challenges due to frequent staff turnover among her team.
The report details how Mace’s own actions escalated the situation. Instead of following established protocols, she became verbally aggressive when she realized her escort was missing. Witnesses reported that as she approached the TSA checkpoint, she was already on a phone call, expressing frustration with statements like, “I shouldn’t be waiting,” and suggesting that a senator would not be treated similarly, referencing Tim Scott and declaring, “Tim Scott would not be f–king treated this way.”
Although Mace experienced a delay of just six minutes, those moments were described as tense. The internal review reveals that she berated TSA supervisors, refused to follow standard procedures, and demanded immediate action, saying, “You need to go and get whoever.” When police arrived to assist her, her frustration shifted towards them, culminating in her stating, “I’m sick of your s–t,” according to the report.
A supervisory TSA officer noted that Mace referred to law enforcement as “f–king idiots” and “f–king incompetent,” leaving staff visibly upset. Notably, the report highlighted that none of the TSA officers were being paid at the time due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Adding to the complexity, airport police commented that Mace’s team frequently requests security escorts citing safety threats but has never provided documentation to substantiate those claims. Officers mentioned they have encountered numerous instances where Mace was not where her team indicated she would be.
Following the release of this report on Monday, Mace’s office claimed the findings serve as an “exoneration” and reiterated her focus on pressing issues like affordability and law enforcement. However, the political fallout has been swift and severe. Sen. Tim Scott publicly condemned her behavior, stating it is “never acceptable to berate” law enforcement or staff and asserting that he refrains from using profanity “in public or private.”
Polling data suggests Mace’s standing in the GOP gubernatorial primary is slipping—a trend that appears to have started after this incident. Whether voters interpret this episode as a moment of frustration or a reflection of her temperament may significantly impact her political future.
As developments unfold, all eyes will remain on Mace and the implications of her conduct at the airport. This incident not only raises questions about her behavior but also how it may resonate with constituents ahead of critical elections.
Watch the video of the incident linked below to see the confrontation for yourself.
Watch the video here: Airport security footage shows Nancy Mace making a ‘spectacle’ due to ‘minor miscommunication’.
