US: Man with fake gun at airport wanted to speak to president

A mentally distressed ex-Marine who pointed a fake handgun at police in the Orlando International Airport and shouted "kill me" said he wanted to speak to the president, according to an arrest affidavit released Wednesday. Michael Wayne Pettigrew, 26, was arrested after the almost three-hour standoff that ended peacefully Tuesday night. Police have called it an attempted "suicide by cop." Pettigrew was charged with aggravated assault on a firefighter and was forcibly committed for short-term mental health observation under what is commonly referred to as Florida's "Baker Act." Court records show Pettigrew was denied bail Wednesday because of his mental health evaluation, but another bond hearing was scheduled for Thursday. The episode started Tuesday night when Pettigrew approached a cashier at a taxi company in the airport and showed her what looked like a gun. Pettigrew gave his cellphone to her and told her to call 911 because he wanted to bring the police and speak to the president, according to the affidavit. Part of the airport was temporarily evacuated and traffic going into the airport was halted for a short time. Story has details.<br/>