After bigots alerted Southwest Airlines ground crew that there were two people speaking Arabic in the boarding area, the airline's employees opted to harass a Palestinian-American pizza-parlor owner and his friend who were returning to Philadelphia from Chicago.
The gate agent refused to let the men board because of the anonymous bigot's unfounded fears. Maher Khalil — who owns Philadelphia's Pizza Point — called 911 and reported that he had been racially profiled by the airline. Airport security and police were summoned and questioned the men, and then these crackerjack terrorist-detectors deduced that the bigot's unfounded fears were unfounded and the men were allowed to board.
While the men boarded, other racists on the flight demanded to know what was in the small white pastry box that Khalil was carrying, shouting at him to open it.
He shared his baklava with them.
Southwest Airline's official statement (below) is hilariously inadequate bullshit ("we're sorry you're offended", basically) and sports Random Capitalization worthy of a Serial Killer.
A second Southwest flight from Chicago to Houston was also delayed Wednesday night when passengers refused to allow six Muslims on the flight. The Muslim passengers had to be rebooked on another flight.
"Safety is our primary focus, and our Employees are trained to make decisions to ensure that safety, and to safeguard the security of our Crews and Customers on every flight," the airline's statement read.
Philly Passengers Pulled off Flight for Speaking Arabic [Karen Araiza/NBC San Diego]
(via Reddit)
