Authorities are investigating the airport incident in which Transport Minister Ewart Brown was accused of a breach of security.

The US Consulate has accused Dr. Brown of a "gross violation" of US pre-clearance procedures before he boarded a flight to Washington earlier this month.

However, Dr. Brown has denied refusing to be searched as he was about to board the plane but said a Bermuda Security Group guard motioned him towards the departure gate and walked off after Dr. Brown asked to see the supervisor.

Bermuda Security Group president and CEO Herman Tucker said his guard had been performing his duties.

He said: "He was doing a search he thought needed to be done ? not because of the individual." understands Bermuda's Department of Civil Aviation is investigating the matter.

And Vince Priori, the officer in charge of US Customs and Border Protection, said the matter was under review although he refused to say who was doing the investigation or when it would be released.

He said a press statement would be released at the appropriate time.