An American secret service agent of Arab descent who was ejected from a flight on his way to protect President George W Bush has started legal proceedings.
The man's lawyers claim his ethnicity was the sole reason for his removal from the plane.
The decorated agent was on his way to the President's ranch when the incident occurred.
He was asked several times to produce his secret service identification, which he did.
A source at the White House also verified his credentials.
However, an American Airlines pilot decided he did not want the man on his plane.
Lawyer John Relman is representing the agent.
"The only reason why he wasn't allowed on that plane was because he is an American of Arab descent," Mr Relman said.
"This is a case of discrimination."
The pilot says he was trying to act in the best interests of his crew.