Rep. Nancy Mace was physically accosted on Capitol grounds, intensifying the debate over transgender rights and restroom policies.
At a Glance
- Rep. Nancy Mace reported being “physically accosted” on U.S. Capitol grounds
- Suspect James McIntyre, 33, from Illinois, was arrested and charged with assaulting a government official
- Incident occurred amid Mace’s opposition to transgender bathroom policies
- Mace introduced a resolution to restrict bathroom use in the House to biological sex
- The altercation highlights growing tensions over transgender rights and safety in shared facilities
Assault on Capitol Grounds
On Tuesday evening, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) reported being physically accosted on U.S. Capitol grounds. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building. Capitol Police swiftly responded, apprehending the suspect, James McIntyre, a 33-year-old man from Illinois, after he had passed through security screening. McIntyre was subsequently arrested and charged with assaulting a government official.
Mace confirmed the incident on her personal X account, describing the assailant as a “pro-trans man.” The congresswoman sustained minor injuries, requiring a wrist brace and ice for her arm. Despite the assault, Mace remained resolute, stating that threats would only strengthen her determination.
Transgender Bathroom Controversy
The altercation comes amid Mace’s outspoken stance on transgender bathroom policies. Recently, she introduced a resolution, H.R. 1579, aimed at enforcing restroom use based on biological sex within the House. This move has sparked significant controversy and backlash from transgender rights advocates.
“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!” – Rep. Nancy Mace
Mace has been particularly vocal in her opposition to Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, a transgender woman, using women’s restrooms on Capitol Hill. This stance has led to protests outside House office buildings and heightened tensions surrounding the issue of transgender rights and communal safety in shared facilities.
Ongoing Threats and Resolve
In the wake of the incident, Mace revealed that she has been receiving death threats and claims she is being “unfairly targeted” for her stance on transgender bathroom policies. Despite these challenges, the congresswoman remains committed to her position.
The assault on Rep. Mace underscores the deeply polarized views on transgender rights and the heated debate surrounding policies that impact both transgender individuals and those concerned about women’s safety in shared spaces. As the investigation into the incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for political disagreements to escalate into physical confrontations, even in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Sources
1. Police arrest suspect accused of assaulting Nancy Mace on Capitol grounds
2. Capitol Police arrest suspect after allegedly assaulting Rep Nancy Mace
