Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., is demanding the resignation of Charleston Airport CEO Elliot Summey and threatening legal action after airport officials accused her of mistreating staff. Mace has rejected the incident report filed by the airport, calling it false and a political attack.
Mace, who launched a bid to become South Carolina’s next governor earlier this year, has vigorously rejected claims that she mistreated airport security. Last month, the Charleston International Airport filed an incident report on her conduct prior to a flight she took on October 30. The report details an incident where Mace arrived at the airport in a state of agitation, using profanity, and confronting airport security personnel as they escorted her to her gate.
“We arrive at the TSA checkpoint in less than a minute and found Rep. Mace waiting at the entrance very irate. She immediately started walking towards her gate. During the entire escort, Rep. Mace was talking loudly, using profanity at times for others to hear,” the report states. “Mace started cursing and stated that this is no way to treat a f—ing United States Representative. She also stated that she was tired of the police being incompetent. Ms. Mace was then escorted to B-8 where she stood for approximately 10 minutes before boarding her flight.”
Responding to a request for comment, Charleston Airport Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Spencer Pryor emphasized the importance of safety and security at the airport. “Our highest priority is the safety and security of our more than 6 million passengers, elected officials, and guests who travel through our terminal,” he said. “Our nationally accredited Airport Police Department works tirelessly alongside our local, state, and federal partners to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for all who use our facility.”
Mace called the incident report false, claiming it was an attempt to discredit her. Members of airport security have been operating without pay during an ongoing government shutdown. “The airport and the airline probably shouldn’t have falsified a report against a sitting member of Congress! They should apologize, take responsibility for this and resign,” she said.
On Monday evening, Mace posted 18 minutes of airport security footage, seemingly detailing her time at the Charleston Airport on October 30. The video shows Mace getting out of her car, initially walking into the airport without an escort, going through a TSA security checkpoint, and then receiving a police escort to her gate. While at the gate, Mace can be seen talking on the phone and texting. The footage is at times difficult to make out, but for much of the video, Mace had minimal interaction with the officers.
Mace’s office has not specified what legal actions she may pursue against the airport or its staff. However, this incident has contributed to the broader political tensions in South Carolina, where Mace is a prominent figure in the state’s gubernatorial race. The situation highlights the challenges faced by public officials in balancing their public roles with the expectations placed upon them by the public and institutional authorities.
The aftermath of this incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public officials and the conduct of airport security personnel. As the situation develops, the implications for Mace’s political career and the broader political landscape in South Carolina remain uncertain.