A foster care advocate is publicly disputing Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s claims that she was “physically accosted” by a man who was arrested at the Capitol. Elliott Hinkle, founder of Unicorn Solutions and a champion for child welfare and LGBTQ youth, witnessed the interaction between Mace and James McIntyre, who approached her following her speech at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Foster Care Independence Act.
Hinkle described how McIntyre, co-founder of the Foster Care Alumni of America’s Illinois chapter, extended his hand to Mace and initiated a conversation about support for trans youth in foster care. After the brief exchange, McIntyre sat back down, exhibiting no signs of hostility. Hinkle recalls Mace’s demeanor as relatively calm following the handshake, suggesting she did not view the interaction as threatening.
However, shortly after, a staffer for Mace reengaged with McIntyre to follow up on their conversation. Following this, U.S. Capitol Police arrived and subsequently arrested McIntyre after conducting an interview.
In contrast to Hinkle’s account, Mace described the interaction in a report stating that McIntyre aggressively shook her arm and made her feel intimidated. Mace later tweeted that she had been “physically accosted” and shared a photo of her arm in a sling following the incident, citing discomfort after the contact.
Advocates have expressed concern over the incident. Lisa Dickson, a fellow advocate, took to social media to voice her disappointment, suggesting that Mace had mischaracterized a simple handshake as a threat.
Capitol Police formally charged McIntyre with assaulting a government official, but he pleaded not guilty. A judge has since ordered him to stay away from Mace and released him on terms of conditional release.
This incident highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding discussions about marginalized communities, particularly within the context of legislative advocacy. It serves as a reminder that encounters intended to promote dialogue and understanding can sometimes escalate unexpectedly, influencing public perception and policy discussions.
As discussions continue surrounding the treatment of both foster youth and transgender rights, this incident could serve as a catalyst for deeper conversations about how best to advocate for and protect the rights of these vulnerable populations. The hope remains that, in the wake of this controversy, greater empathy and understanding will emerge, leading to constructive solutions for all involved.