Illinois Man Accused of Assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace at the Capitol

What Happened at the Capitol?

Last Tuesday, James McIntyre, 33, was charged with misdemeanor assault after allegedly shaking Rep. Nancy Mace’s hand in an “exaggerated, aggressive” manner. According to Mace, the handshake was so forceful that it caused pain in her wrist, requiring her to wear a brace and apply ice to her arm.

During the encounter, McIntyre reportedly made the comment: “Trans youth serve advocacy.” Despite the incident, Mace declined immediate medical treatment but shared photos on social media showing her arm in a brace.

Reactions to the Case

The incident sparked reactions from various political figures:

• Rep. Nancy Mace stated that the assault was used by the media to promote “misogyny on the Left.”

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the assault, stating that no lawmaker should be attacked for their political beliefs.

• Former President Donald Trump reached out to Mace to offer support.

McIntyre Pleads Not Guilty

James McIntyre appeared in court and was released following the hearing. He pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor assault charge. As of now, no information about his attorney or an official statement in his defense has been provided.

Conclusion: A Case Highlighting Tensions in Congress

This incident not only underscores the growing political polarization but also raises concerns about the safety of lawmakers at the Capitol.