Rep. Angie Craig Assaulted in Elevator Near Capitol, Prompting Increased Safety Measures for Members of Congress

A U.S. Capitol Police affidavit has revealed that Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) was assaulted in an elevator of an apartment complex near the Capitol on Thursday morning. The assailant, identified as 24-year-old Christopher Hamlin, approached Craig and prevented her from leaving the elevator before punching her in the face with a closed fist.

Craig responded by throwing a cup of hot coffee at Hamlin, which allowed her to escape the elevator and call for help. In a statement, Craig described the incident as a “traumatic experience” and thanked the Capitol Police for their quick response.

Hamlin was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill while armed. He is currently being held without bond and is due to appear in court on Friday.

Craig is the first female member of Congress to be assaulted in Washington, D.C. since Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in 2011. In a statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was “horrified” by the attack and called for an end to violence against women.

The incident has prompted a renewed focus on safety measures for members of Congress. The Capitol Police have increased their presence in the area and are working with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of all members of Congress.