Secret Service agent removed from American Airlines aircraft demands apology

Airline Industry Information, Jan 4, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The Arab-American Secret Service agent who was removed from an American Airlines flight last week is demanding an apology from the airline and an agreement to give flight crews better training about civil rights.

The agent, who was allegedly removed from the flight due to "inconsistencies" in his paperwork, claims that he was the victim of racial bias. However the pilot has described the man as a concern due to his hostile nature and loud and abusive comments. Lawyers representing the agent, who has not ruled out a lawsuit, disputed the pilot's account.

It has also been revealed that the pilot, who doubted the authenticity of the agent's badge and photo identification, requested 'mug shots' of terrorists while trying to check the man's identity, reported The Associated Press.

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