A man has been arrested following an alleged assault on U.S. Representative Nancy Mace at the Rayburn House Office Building. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, shortly before 6 p.m., when Rep. Mace’s office reported the assault to Capitol Police.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old James McIntyre from Illinois, was quickly located by House Division officers and representatives from the Threat Assessment Section. After a brief investigative interview, he was charged with assaulting a government official.
In a message on X, Rep. Mace condemned the attack, referring to it as “tr*ns violence,” and expressed her determination to remain resilient. She stated, “I was physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-tr*ns man. One new brace for my wrist and some ice for my arm, and it’ll heal just fine. The Capitol Police arrested the guy.” She also vowed that threats against her life will only strengthen her resolve, saying, “FAFO.”
It is noteworthy that the Rayburn House Office Building was open to the public at the time of the incident and that McIntyre had passed through the necessary security measures.
This incident underscores the ongoing discussions surrounding safety in government spaces, particularly for public officials. As investigations continue, there is an air of hope that measures will be considered to ensure the well-being of representatives and staff in similar settings.
In summary, while the assault on Rep. Mace is concerning, her strong response and the swift action taken by the Capitol Police demonstrate resilience and commitment to safety.