South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace spoke out Tuesday after she was allegedly assaulted by a male transgender activist at the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Capitol Police arrested James McIntyre, 33, of Illinois, on suspicion of attacking Mace inside the Rayburn House office building. Mace sparked intense backlash from transgender advocates after introducing a bill that would ban biological males from using women’s restrooms on Capitol Hill. The proposal was adopted after Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a House-wide policy to that effect.
“I was physically assaulted on Capitol grounds tonight over my fight to protect women. Capitol Police arrested him,” Mace said. I wrote On Twitter. “All the violence and intimidation continues to prove our point. Women deserve to be safe. Your threats will not stop me from fighting for women!”
Tonight, I was physically accosted on the Capitol grounds for my fight to protect women. Capitol Police arrested him.
All the violence and intimidation continues to prove our point. Women should be safe.
Your threats will not stop me from fighting for women!#holdtheline
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) December 11, 2024
Yes, I was physically assaulted tonight. Even more in the future…#holdtheline
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) December 11, 2024
After House Bureau officers located and questioned McIntyre, authorities charged him with assault on a government official. According to To Fox 5 DC. He reportedly entered the building and passed a standard security screening before heading to Republican lawmakers.
According to the suspect’s statement, McIntyre is the senior director of government relations and volunteer recruitment for CASA in Cook County. LinkedIn profilethe pronouns “he/him” are displayed. According to his biography, he was abused by his foster family as a child and later sexually assaulted as he moved from one living situation to another.
This is the man who allegedly assaulted Rep. Nancy Mace at the Capitol.
His LinkedIn profile displays the pronouns “he/him.” He claims he was abused as a child and later sexually assaulted as he moved from one living situation to another. https://t.co/8DgZkmDgBG pic.twitter.com/91PEWhkyst
— Julianna Freeman (@JuliannaFrieman) December 11, 2024
mace claimed The attack injured his wrist and he had to ice his arm. She said the incident made her even more courageous. (Related: Trans activists occupy women’s restroom at Capitol Hill)
Tonight, I was physically assaulted by a male supporter at the Capitol. One new wrist brace and some ice in my arm and I’m fine.
Capitol Police arrested the man.
Your violence and threats against my life only make me redouble. Fafo. #holdtheline
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) December 11, 2024
“Your violence and threats against my life only make me double down. FAFO,” she wrote.
Freedom of speech should be free. And no one should be attacked for their beliefs or bills.#holdtheline
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) December 11, 2024
U.S. Capitol Police confirmed McIntyre’s arrest and charges to the Daily Caller, but said they had “no knowledge” of the suspect’s occupation or motive.
“Last night, U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) arrested a suspect on suspicion of assaulting a United States member of Congress,” the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement to the Daily Caller. “Just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Congressman’s Office reported an incident at the Rayburn House Office Building. House Division personnel and Threat Assessment Division personnel pursued the suspect. After questioning, police arrested James McIntyre, 33, of Illinois. McIntyre is charged with assault on a government official (18 USC 111).
“At the time of the incident, the Rayburn House office building was open to the public. Mr. McIntyre underwent security screening before entering the Capitol,” the statement continued.
Freedom of speech should be free. And no one should be attacked for their beliefs or bills.#holdtheline
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) December 11, 2024
“Freedom of speech should be free, and no one should be attacked for their beliefs or claims,” Mace said. added.
The debate over bathroom policy at the U.S. Capitol comes after Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender lawmaker in history, was elected to the House of Representatives in November.
