An Illinois man was arrested on Tuesday night for allegedly attacking Republican Rep. Nancy Mace on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. U.S. Capitol Police identified the suspect as James McIntyre, 33, and charged him with assaulting a government official. The incident was reported by a member of Congress’s office at the Rayburn House Office Building, leading to McIntyre’s arrest after an investigative interview.
The Rayburn House Office Building was open at the time of the incident, and McIntyre had gone through a security screening. Rep. Mace, from South Carolina, took to social media to inform her followers that she had been physically accosted on Capitol grounds. She mentioned needing a brace for her wrist and ice for her arm but assured everyone that she would be fine.
In her post, Mace hinted that the attack may have been related to her stance on transgender issues. She recently introduced legislation to change House rules, prohibiting transgender women from using women’s bathrooms and facilities on Capitol Hill. This proposal came just before the swearing-in of the first openly transgender member of Congress, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride from Delaware.
Mace’s two-page resolution aimed to prevent House members, officers, and employees from using single-sex facilities that do not align with their biological sex. She argued that allowing biological males into women’s restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms could compromise the safety and dignity of female lawmakers and employees.
The legislation appeared to target Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who made history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Mace’s actions sparked controversy and debate over transgender rights and equal access to facilities based on gender identity.
The motive behind McIntyre’s attack on Rep. Mace remains unclear, as Capitol police did not confirm any specific reasons for the assault. The incident highlighted the tensions and divisions within the political landscape, especially concerning contentious issues like transgender rights and bathroom access.
As the investigation continues, both Rep. Mace and the Illinois man, James McIntyre, will be at the center of national attention and scrutiny. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges faced by public officials in their line of duty, as they navigate complex and often polarizing issues in the political arena.
