US State Department Forced Scott Ritter Off Plane to Russia, Confiscated His Passport

“As I was boarding my flight out of New York I was pulled aside by three CBP officers, who seized my passport. When asked why, they said orders of the State Department. No further information was provided. My bags were removed from the flight, and I was escorted out of the airport,” the former US Marine intelligence officer told Sputnik.

Scott Ritter added that his passport was not given back. He said he will appeal the decision.

Ritter believes US authorities are afraid of his participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).