An incident at the U.S. Capitol has left a prominent lawmaker speaking out against violence.
According to Breitbart, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) was allegedly assaulted on Tuesday evening by a man she identified as an LGBTQ activist. Capitol Police apprehended the suspect, who now faces charges of assaulting a government official.
Mace shared details of the altercation through social media, stating that she sustained injuries requiring medical attention. While Capitol Police confirmed the arrest, they did not specify her name in their official statement. The incident reportedly took place in the Rayburn House Office Building, a location open to the public at the time.
The alleged attack occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday inside the Rayburn House Office Building, part of the Capitol complex. Mace, a vocal Republican representative from South Carolina, described the assailant as a "pro-trans man" in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She indicated the confrontation left her with an injured wrist and arm, though she stated she would recover quickly.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as 33-year-old James McIntyre of Illinois. Police explained that McIntyre gained access to the building through standard security protocols before approaching Mace. Following the incident, officers from the House Division and the Threat Assessment Section arrested McIntyre, who now faces charges of assaulting a government official.
In her social media statement, Mace condemned the attack and vowed not to be deterred by threats or violence. She encouraged her supporters to "Hold the Line," emphasizing her commitment to stand firm in her beliefs despite the incident.
The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the arrest but refrained from naming Mace in their statement, referring only to a report of an assault involving a member of Congress. The department clarified that the Rayburn building, where the incident took place, was open to the public at the time.
"House Division officers, and agents with the Threat Assessment Section, tracked down the suspect," the Capitol Police said in their statement. They also highlighted that the suspect had undergone routine security screening before entering the building.
This latest incident raises questions about security measures within Congressional buildings, particularly when lawmakers are known to face heightened risks due to their public positions. While the Rayburn building's accessibility is a feature of democratic transparency, it also presents challenges in ensuring the safety of those working inside.
Rep. Mace has been an outspoken figure in Congress, often addressing controversial issues with a strong stance. Following the attack, she took to X to express her frustration over what she described as "trans violence" and threats against her life.
In her post, Mace stated:
I was physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-trans 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. Your trans violence and threats on my life will only make me double down. FAFO.
Mace’s remarks drew attention to her ongoing criticism of certain activist groups and her perception of increasing hostility toward conservative lawmakers. She has previously highlighted threats she has received due to her stance on various political issues.
Rep. Nancy Mace, known for her outspoken views and willingness to take on controversial issues, has made it clear that this assault will not deter her. She has framed the event as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against conservatives, doubling down on her commitment to stand firm in her beliefs. While the physical injuries she sustained may heal quickly, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing public accessibility with personal security.
