I do know this - we're hearing spin from both sides. When American found out one of their captains went off half cocked and denied boarding to a member of the President's personal security detail, we began hearing about "hostile" behavior and bad paperwork (the details of which I haven't seen).
Frankly, if I had to fly on Christmas for business, went through the security hassle, got bumped, got delayed and then found out the captain was considering bouncing me, I'd be more than a little "hostile."
Armed law enforcement officers fly routinely and I'm glad they do. If the captain couldn't figure out how to verify the bona fides of an officer boarding his plane, perhaps he should have spoken with someone at American security who knew what he was doing.
I'd like to see a coherent and effective security policy for air travel. I haven't seen a single measure yet implimented that would have prevented 9-11. I have seen four hour security lines and lots of confiscated fingernail clippers, but shoe bombs and handguns still get through.
If you read the reports contained on this thread, the pilot did just that and coudln't get an answer to satisfy him.
Keep in mind the pilot doesn't have unlimited time and he is expected to be sure the plane is airworthy. So, according to you and others, if the pilot is unsure about flying with an arrogant angry gun toting man then in order not to offend someone who happens to be an Arab we should put our concerns aside and place everyone at risk instead of erring on the side of caution ?