US Airways denies boarding to air marshals

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The government and Republic Airlines are reviewing a recent incident where federal air marshals were prohibited from boarding a plane in Washington.

The Federal Air Marshal Service confirms that its agents were removed from US Airways Express Flight 3464 flight leaving Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Nov. 8 for Connecticut, The Washington Times reported.

After being seated on the plane, the marshals were reportedly called to the jet bridge where a gate agent demanded paperwork intended for off-duty law enforcement agents carrying weapons.

The marshals returned to their seats after telling the gate agent they were on mission status and the paperwork was not applicable, the Times said.

Minutes later officers from the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority ordered the marshals to exit the plane and even officials at Homeland Security could not persuade the airline to let them reboard.

Federal Air Marshal Spokesman Conan Bruce told the Times the agency is working with the owner Republic Airlines, which operates as US Airways Express, to find out what happened.

Bruce said the agency was reviewing boarding rules that marshals say vary from airline to airline.