Dr. David Mandy says his family was on the way to Disney World when Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents in Detroit harassed his mentally challenged son.

“I realize they’re trying to keep people safe, but come on, does he look like a terrorist?” Mandy asked KSAZ.

Drew Mandy, who was singled out for a pat down, is 29 but has the mental capacity of a two-year-old.

After questioning the diaper Drew was wearing underneath his pants, the agents decided to confiscate a six-inch plastic toy hammer.

“My son carries his ball and his hammer for security. He goes everywhere with (them),” Mandy explained.

“The agent took the hammer and he tapped the wall. ‘See, it’s hard. It could be used as a weapon,’” he said. “So, Drew’s also holding the ball, and I said, ‘Well, how about the ball?’ He (said), ‘Oh, he can keep that.”

“It just killed me to have to throw it away because he’s been carrying this like for 20 years,” Mandy added.

After sending a complaint letter to the TSA, a spokesman told Mandy that the agency needed to review how it dealt with special needs people. “Obviously, he (said), we’re doing a terrible job.”

Watch this video from KSAZ, broadcast June 8, 2011.

[H/T: Jonathan Turley]