Mitt Romney, who sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, was attacked yesterday (February 15) after boarding an Air Canada flight here in Vancouver.

The incident occurred just before takeoff, when Romney asked the passenger in front of him to return his seat to its full upright position. The request sparked a confrontation which resulted in the man becoming physically violent and attempting to strike Romney.

Romney did not retaliate, and the man was subdued by the Air Canada crew. The plane then returned to the terminal where the assailant was taken into custody.

The former governor of Massachusetts, Romney was the president and CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and had been here at the Vancouver Olympics as the guest of Vanoc.

Romney, whose vast personal wealth has been estimated at upwards of US$250 million by the Washington Post, was seated in coach.