Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
Rep. Nancy Mace was allegedly assaulted at the US Capitol by a man who is now in custody, according to a statement provided by theUS Capitol Police.
Mace shared the news on social media that she was “physically accosted” by what she deemed to be a “pro-tr*ns” man ostensibly protesting Mace’s controversial and what some call transphobic comments on transgender rights. Mace posted on X:
She then later clarified and explained the reason why she felt she was accosted:
Details of the alleged assault remain unclear, though Mace was seen wearing her arm in a sling in public hallways Wednesday morning. Mediaite has learned that some witnesses claimed the alleged assault was an aggressive handshake, which Mace walked away from unharmed, and have claimed she is exaggerating what precisely happened.
The Imprint reports:
A former foster youth and award-winning advocate for children was arrested at the U.S. Capitol tonight — a bizarre twist in an otherwise celebratory day of events — after South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace accused him of assault.
The incident took place outside a House of Representatives office building following an event honoring the anniversary of a landmark child welfare law where Mace, a firebrand Republican, had given a speech. Three witnesses at the scene told The Imprint their accused colleague James McIntyre had done nothing more than shake the congress member’s hand at the House reception, and asked her to protect the rights of transgender people.
….
“I want to express deep disappointment in the fact that Congresswoman Nancy Mace came to a national foster youth event, told participating youth that it was a safe space — and literally had one of them arrested by Capital police for simply shaking her hand and asking about trans rights,” said Lisa Dickson, a veteran advocate for foster youth from Ohio, in a Facebook post.
The USCP confirmed an arrest of a person accused of assaulting a U.S. Representative via a statement issued Tuesday night:
Last night, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) arrested a person who is accused of assaulting a U.S. Representative.
Just before 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, the Member of Congress’ office reported an incident in the Rayburn House Office Building. House Division officers, and agents with the Threat Assessment Section, tracked down the suspect. After an investigative interview, officers arrested the suspect, 33-year-old James McIntyre of Illinois. McIntyre is facing a charge for Assaulting a Government Official (18 USC 111).
The Rayburn House Office Building was open to the public at the time of the incident. McIntyre went through security screening prior to entering the Congressional buildings.
United States Capitol Police
Public Information Office
This story is developing and will be updated as news emerges.
