Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.-1) said Monday that the City of Charleston Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police will provide her federal office in Charleston with a full-time security detail.
The news follows media reports — based on an incident report from the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department — alleging that the congresswoman cursed at and berated law enforcement officers at Charleston International Airport. Mace has denied the claims and has threatened to file a defamation lawsuit against the airport and American Airlines. She also accused law enforcement, without providing proof, of filing a false report about the encounter.
“I am deeply grateful to the City of Charleston Police Department and Capitol Police for stepping up to provide the protection our office needs,” Mace said. “Unfortunately, it took an airport falsifying police reports and retaliating against a member of Congress to wake everyone up to the reality of the threats we face daily. I pray no one else gets hurt or killed due to today’s politically violent environment.”
Mace’s office said she receives more than 1,300 credible threats annually. According to her office, media coverage of the airport incident prompted Capitol Police to coordinate with local law enforcement to assist the congresswoman.
“With over 1,300 credible threats per year, this protection is not a luxury — it’s a necessity,” Mace said. “I shouldn’t have to sue an airport and expose their lies to get the security detail I’ve requested for years, but I am eternally grateful today for the swift assistance from law enforcement.”