Allegedly Pushed Past Baggage Worker, Entered Restricted Area

Maybe he was just trying to show his constituents that he, too, is fed up with the airlines. California Congressman Bob Filner is in some hot water with the law, following an alleged incident involving a United Airlines employee Sunday night at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the southern California Democrat faces assault and battery charges, after he allegedly shoved his way past the outstretched arm of a United Airlines baggage worker, and entered a restricted area.

Courtney Prebich, assistant media relations manager of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said Filner refused to leave the claim office when the baggage worker told him to do so. The employee called the airport police, who interviewed the Congressman. They also spoke to several witnesses to the incident.

So, what set the esteemed lawmaker off? Filner was reportedly ticked he had to wait so long for his luggage. WJLA-7 reports several witnesses say Filner yelled "You can't stop me," before shoving the employee and refusing to leave the claim office.

“United regrets that the customer experienced a delay in claiming his bag," the airline said Monday. "The safety and security of our employees and our customers is our number one priority, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities in the investigation into this incident.”

After being questioned by officers, Filner was allowed to leave... but was told the employee would be pressing charges, which she did later Sunday evening before a Loudon County magistrate. Filner was summoned to appear in court October 2, on a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery.

The congressman had no comment Monday afternoon, though his office later released a statement.

“Congressman Bob Filner is on his way to Iraq, visiting our troops, and will have a full statement when he returns," the statement reads. "Suffice it to say now, that the story that has appeared in the press is factually incorrect -- and the charges are ridiculous.”

This isn't the first time Filner has shown signs of a temper. The eight-term incumbent -- who also chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee -- shouted several obscenities at two VA officials during a briefing last year regarding the theft of a laptop computer containing personnel information.

Those officials called the briefing a "publicity stunt," which angered Filner.

FMI: www.house.gov/filner/, www.united.com