Private Aircraft Getting Ready To Depart From RNC In Tampa

As Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) was getting ready to depart from Clearwater, FL, in a private airplane Wednesday, he was reportedly held up by as many as eight TSA agents who blocked them from boarding the plane and taking off. The Congressman, his family, and the pilot were all questioned by the agents, and the plane was searched, according to a report appearing in the Washington Times.

While the TSA agents did not say specifically why they were holding up the Congressman (pictured) and his party, they said GOP Presidential nominee Mitt Romney "might be nearby."

The paper reports that TSA questioned the pilot's credentials, and insisted that the plane be swept for explosives. The passengers were also searched, but Congressman Paul's wife Carol, who has a pacemaker, refused to submit to a search. An aide began recording the event, and they were finally allowed to go on their way.

Paul has been a vocal critic of TSA. As a candidate for President, he pledged to "End the TSA." He also sponsored the American Traveler Dignity Act, which among other things would prevent TSA from performing "invasive" pat-downs. Ron Paul's son Rand Paul, a U.S. Senator (R-KY), has introduced legislation that would replace TSA with private screeners and establish a passenger bill of rights.

Paul's supporters say he was singled out by TSA because of his position on the agency.

The video has not been made public.

FMI: www.ronpaul.com