UPDATE: A detailed internal report has just revealed the shocking confrontation involving Rep. Nancy Mace at Charleston International Airport on October 30, 2023. The findings describe a tense exchange with police and TSA officers that escalated from a minor logistical miscommunication into a heated confrontation, raising significant concerns about her conduct.
The incident unfolded when Mace’s airport escort was not present upon her arrival, leading to immediate frustration. A supervisory error mistakenly indicated she would arrive in a white vehicle, but she actually pulled up in a grey BMW. This confusion was compounded by Mace’s preference for using the encrypted app Signal for coordination, a method not utilized by other protectees, and ongoing staff turnover, which hampered communication.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Mace approached security, already on a call expressing her discontent. “I shouldn’t be waiting,” she reportedly said, emphasizing her belief that a senator would never face such delays. The report detailed her complaints, including a pointed remark about how “Tim Scott would not be f–king treated this way.” Although she experienced a delay of no more than six minutes, the atmosphere was described as highly tense.
The internal review outlined that Mace bypassed established protocols at the TSA checkpoint, becoming verbally aggressive. She demanded, “You need to go and get whoever,” when officers arrived to assist. According to the report, she used expletives, calling police “f–king idiots” and expressing her frustration that officers were “always [f–king] late.” This outburst left TSA staff visibly upset, particularly as they were not being paid due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Furthermore, airport police noted that Mace’s team frequently requests escorts due to safety concerns but has never provided supporting documentation. Officers often arrived to find Mace was not where her staff indicated she would be.
Following the release of the report on December 9, 2023, Mace’s office claimed the findings were an “exoneration,” asserting that she remains focused on pressing issues like affordability and law enforcement. However, the political fallout is palpable. Sen. Tim Scott publicly rebuked her actions, stating, “It is never acceptable to berate” law enforcement or staff, and emphasized that he refrains from using profanity “in public or private.”
Recent polling indicates that Mace is slipping in the GOP gubernatorial primary race, a trend that began after this incident. The perception of this episode as either a moment of frustration or a sign of poor temperament could significantly impact her political future.
As developments continue to unfold, the public and political observers are closely monitoring Mace’s response and the potential ramifications for her campaign.
For more details, watch the video below showing airport security footage of the incident: [Airport security footage shows Nancy Mace making a ‘spectacle’ due to ‘minor miscommunication’](https://t.co/LR57bEe3Uw).
