Rand Paul Detained at Nashville Airport Reports are False, Says TSA

In an update to an earlier article, the TSA announced on Monday that Senator Rand Paul was not detained at any point at the Nashville Airport.

According to the TSA, Senator Paul triggered an alarm during a routine screening. They say he refused to complete the screening process that ensures he was not carrying any hazardous material.

Paul was denied access to the secure gate area in the Nashville Airport. He was then escorted out of the security area.

When an irregularity is found during the TSA screening process, it must be resolved prior to allowing a passenger to proceed to the secure area of the airport, TSA officials said in a statement. Passengers who refuse to complete the screening process cannot be granted access to the secure area in order to ensure the safety of others traveling.

Paul was screened by millimeter wave imaging technology, more commonly known as the full body screeners. When Senator Paul walked through the screener an alarm went off, indicating an anomaly. He was then targeted for a pat-down, in accordance with the policy of the TSA. He refused however.

Senator Paul's office has not released a statement regarding the events that had transpired, yet.

Early on Monday, Congressman Ron Paul took to Twitter to announce his son had been detained by the TSA.

My son @SenRandPaul being detained by TSA for refusing full body pat-down after anomaly in body, said Congressman Ron Paul on Twitter. Others also took to Twitter, reTweeting the Congressman's message and sharing their thoughts on the situation.

Both Rand Paul and TSA became trending topics on Twitter.

Congressman Ron Paul is an outspoken critic of the TSA. In 2010, he introduced the American Traveler Dignity Act as a response to what he deemed invasive pat-downs and potentially dangerous X-Ray screening procedures by TSA agents.