In North Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced on Wednesday her intent to pursue legal action against Charleston International Airport and other entities. She claims they concocted reports about an altercation with airport security personnel.

According to Mace, several airport and airline staff members allegedly “orchestrated and conspired to produce false and misleading incident reports” concerning an October 30 event. During this incident, Mace was accused of displaying “irate” behavior and making derogatory remarks toward officers before boarding an early morning flight.

“We contend that Congresswoman Nancy Mace has been the target of a systematic and coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation through intentionally falsified documents,” stated her attorney, Larry Klayman. “Such institutional misconduct and defamation should not be tolerated against any American, especially not a serving member of Congress.”

A press release dated November 5 identifies several airport officials, including President and CEO Elliott Summey, three officers, and an unnamed American Airlines gate agent as potential defendants in the defamation lawsuit. It also mentions Attorney General Alan Wilson, a political rival of Mace in the GOP gubernatorial race.

As of the publication date, no lawsuits have been publicly filed according to available court records. News 2 has attempted to contact the individuals named in the press release for their comments.

It represents the latest development surrounding Mace’s alleged outburst, which has drawn attention — and in some cases, criticism — from her colleagues, including the state’s two Republican senators.

“It is never acceptable to berate police officers, airport staff, and TSA agents who are simply doing their jobs, nor is it becoming of a Member of Congress to use such vulgar language when dealing with constituents,” U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) wrote in a Nov. 4 Facebook post. “Not only are these officers sworn to protect us, but we also take an oath to represent them. We work for them, not vice versa.”

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) concurred with Scott’s assessment, writing in a Nov. 4 post on X that he has had “nothing but positive, respectful engagements” with police officers and TSA agents at Charleston International Airport.

“The men and women I have encountered – from security to airport leadership – are professional and diligent in the performance of their duties and I am honored to represent them in the U.S. Senate,” Graham continued.

Days after details of the Oct. 30 incident were made public, Mace accused the airport’s internal failing to provide her an appropriate security detail on dozens of occasions.

She claimed those repeated security lapses were to blame for her frustration after a miscommunication left her without an escort from the outdoor ticketing area to the TSA checkpoint that morning.

According to the report, Mace called officers “incompetent,” said Scott would “never have been treated this way,” and repeatedly used profanity as she was walked to her gate.

Though Mace is now alleging that some of the information in the report was deliberately falsified, she has not denied her supposed actions or the language she used.

“If there is an incompetent government employee at the airport expecting an apology this morning, you are not going to get it,” she said during a Nov. 3 press conference on Daniel Island.

The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police has also weighed in, describing Mace’s conduct as “inappropriate,” and saying the organization stands firmly behind the officers who were involved.

“Regardless of any miscommunication, no law enforcement officers should be met with hostility, public ridicule, or profanity while performing their duties,” a Nov. 4 statement read. “Disagreement is part of public life. Disrespect and verbal abuse toward those who protect and serve is not.”

More than 50 elected officials across the Lowcountry also expressed their support for the airport and its employees in a joint letter released Wednesday.

“We are especially grateful for the men and women responsible for maintaining security and order at the airport,” the letter reads, in part. “Law enforcement officers, TSA personnel, and airport staff work in a high-pressure environment, balancing safety, customer service, and federal regulatory requirements. They perform these duties with professionalism, courtesy, and a clear commitment to protecting travelers and our region.”

The signees include a bipartisan group of over two dozen state lawmakers, five mayors, as well as multiple councilmembers and county officials from Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

This story is developing and may be updated.