A foster care advocate has questioned Representative Nancy Mace’s claim that she was “physically accosted” by a man at the Capitol on Tuesday. Elliott Hinkle, the founder of Unicorn Solutions and a child welfare advocate, noted that Mace was speaking at an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Foster Care Independence Act, which took place in the Rayburn Building with around 50 attendees.
During her speech, Mace expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with advocates present. Hinkle recounted how James McIntyre, 33, co-founder of Foster Care Alumni of America’s Illinois chapter, approached Mace after her speech and extended his hand. Hinkle described the encounter as cordial, noting that McIntyre simply stated that “trans youth are also foster youth, and they need your support,” before he returned to his seat.
Hinkle further explained that shortly after Mace departed with a staffer, the staffer returned to ask McIntyre for his name and message for Mace. Eventually, U.S. Capitol Police arrived, leading to McIntyre’s arrest following an investigative interview. Hinkle claimed he witnessed a normal interaction between advocates and Mace, emphasizing that McIntyre’s actions were not aggressive.
Another advocate, Lisa Dickson, expressed her disappointment that Mace had someone arrested for merely greeting her. In the report concerning the incident, Mace described McIntyre’s handshake as overly vigorous, leading her to feel intimidated and report pain afterward. She rejected medical assistance and defined the event on social media as a physical assault by a “pro-trans man.”
Mace, who recently sponsored a measure limiting bathroom access based on biological sex, faces criticism from advocates who argue she undermined the safe space intended for foster youth at the event.
McIntyre was charged with assaulting a government official and was held overnight, later pleading not guilty. A judge mandated that he maintain distance from Mace upon his release.
It’s important to recognize the complexities surrounding the discourse on support for foster youth within the context of political tensions. While the interaction has led to diverging perspectives, it also highlights the need for dialogue on the intersection of child welfare and LGBTQ rights. Advocates remain hopeful that this incident can serve as a catalyst for more open discussions and understanding between lawmakers and the communities they represent.