The U.S. Capitol Police apprehended a man accused of assaulting Representative Nancy Mace in the Rayburn House Office Building on Tuesday evening. The alleged incident took place shortly before 6 p.m. and was reported by Rep. Mace’s office to the Capitol Police.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old James McIntyre from Illinois, was swiftly located by officers from the House Division and agents with the Threat Assessment Section. After being interviewed by investigators, McIntyre was arrested and charged with assaulting a government official.
In her post on X, Rep. Mace expressed her condemnation of what she termed “trans violence,” sharing her experience of being physically confronted. She stated, “One new brace for my wrist and some ice for my arm, and it’ll heal just fine. The Capitol Police arrested the guy.” Mace emphasized her determination to stand firm, asserting that threats and violence would only strengthen her resolve.
The Rayburn House Office Building was accessible to the public at the time of the incident, and authorities confirmed that McIntyre had successfully passed through standard security screening before the alleged assault occurred. As the investigation continues, there is a clear indication that the safety of lawmakers and the integrity of public spaces remain top priorities for Capitol Police.
In light of this troubling incident, it is important to recognize the resilience of public figures like Rep. Mace, who continue to advocate for their views while facing challenges. This situation also highlights the need for ongoing discussions surrounding safety measures in public forums to ensure that democracy can flourish in a secure environment.