And where was the agent stopped: the ticket counter, the metal detector, or the gate? And if it was the latter, how'd he get by the first two? And what time did the agent arrive at the airport, because he should have arrived early enough to allow for thorough screening.
I sort of agree with you; in my opinion, a Secret Service agent should have KNOWN the procedure and should have been prepared. It's his duty to help the pilot faciliate HIS own boarding.
It sounds like HE is too sensitive about his ethnicity. And it sounds VERY stupid to have carried that book onboard for all the rest of the passengers to see. Would you do that?
Not very good publicity for you American Airlines lovers but this armed agent boarded two American flights that day. He was checked by the police prior to the flight by three separate police officers who escorted him through security to the gate. When his first flight was canceled due to mechanical problem, the agent moved two gates over to another American Flight where all the prior customers were being shifted. He boarded that flight. Upon storing his caryon he went back to the cockpit to introduce himself to the 2nd Captain of the day. This captain upon seeing he was armed Arab-American claiming to be secret service agent asked him to deplane while they checked his identity. This he willingly did.
If you really think about this, American not only bumpbed a Secret SErvice agent off the flight, they allowed an armed potential terrorist on two of their flights in one day. That ought to make all Americans more comfortable about their flying safety.