Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), a Republican candidate for South Carolina governor, has announced plans to sue American Airlines and Charleston International Airport, accusing them of defamation over alleged falsified incident reports. Mace stated she has hired an attorney to pursue legal action against the entities, claiming they misrepresented events to harm her reputation.
According to an incident report from the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department obtained by NBC News, Mace was involved in a confrontation with airport police and TSA agents at Charleston International Airport on Thursday. The report detailed that officers had arranged for Mace to be escorted to her flight upon arrival but faced confusion about her arrival vehicle. Officers later found Mace attempting to use a crew personnel entrance at a TSA security checkpoint.
Multiple officers cited in the report described Mace as using profanity and accusing the department of incompetence, calling it “no way to treat a f—ing U.S. representative.” She also reportedly claimed that airport staff would not have treated South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott with similar treatment, according to the document.
On social media platform X, Mace wrote, “TSA wouldn’t let me through” and dismissed reports of an investigation as “a silly rumor” and “false.” She later asserted that all federal officials, including Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, use crew access points at airports, stating this is standard federal security protocol.
Mace also accused Charleston Airport CEO Elliott Summey and others of attempting to intimidate TSA agents and herself, writing, “Elliott honey, you’ve earned everything coming your way. I won’t tolerate a cover-up, lies, or false incident reports by the airport or the airline.”
Sen. Tim Scott condemned Mace’s behavior, stating that his interactions with Charleston Airport staff had always been positive. He criticized her use of vulgar language and disrespect toward law enforcement, calling it unacceptable for a member of Congress.
Mace has requested that American Airlines and Charleston International Airport preserve all records, communications, and video footage related to the incident. Her legal action aims to seek damages for defamation and reputational harm, along with public retractions of alleged false reports. Potential defendants in the lawsuit include an unidentified American Airlines gate agent, airport officials Elliott Summey and Austin Bruner, officers Yangco, Reed, and Southers, as well as South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and his chief of staff, Whitney Michael.