Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, reported being physically accosted on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. In a post on social media platform X, Mace stated, “I was physically accosted tonight on Capitol grounds over my fight to protect women. Capitol police have arrested him. All the violence and threats keep proving our point. Women deserve to be safe. Your threats will not stop my fight for women!” She later added that she was dealing with minor injuries to her wrist and arm.
According to Capitol Police, they were alerted to the incident around 6 p.m. involving a member of Congress at the Rayburn Office Building. Officers, along with agents from the Threat Assessment Section, swiftly located and arrested the alleged assailant, who has been charged with assaulting a government official.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old James McIntyre from Illinois, pleaded not guilty in DC Superior Court to a misdemeanor simple assault charge and was released under a “stay away” order. Court documentation indicated that Mace described the altercation as McIntyre placing his hands over hers and shaking her arm in an exaggerated manner for a few seconds.
This incident comes amidst Mace’s political activities, including her recent push for a resolution to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol, a move sparked by the election of Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who is the first openly transgender individual to serve in Congress. Mace’s actions are part of a broader strategy to demonstrate that the Republican Party is “pro-women,” especially following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the need to retain women voters.
In light of the rising tension surrounding such legislative issues, this incident underscores the increasingly contentious environment surrounding debates on women’s safety and rights. Mace’s resilience and continued advocacy despite adversity serve as a hopeful reminder that dialogue around women’s issues remains vital and necessary in today’s political landscape.
Summary: Rep. Nancy Mace reported being physically accosted at the U.S. Capitol, leading to the arrest of an individual charged with assaulting a government official. This incident is part of a larger context of her advocacy for women’s rights, particularly in light of recent political developments. Mace remains committed to her fight for women’s safety despite the challenges she faces.