Foster care advocate Elliott Hinkle is challenging Rep. Nancy Mace’s claim that she was “physically accosted” by James McIntyre, who was arrested at the Capitol. Hinkle, who advocates for child welfare and LGBTQ youths, witnessed the interaction between Mace and McIntyre at an event in the Rayburn Building. He described McIntyre approaching Mace, shaking her hand, and bringing up the need for support for trans youth before sitting back down. Shortly after Mace left with a staffer, Capitol Police arrived and arrested McIntyre. Mace told officers that she felt intimidated and experienced pain in her arm after McIntyre shook her hand aggressively. She later expressed disappointment in Mace’s actions on social media. Mace, meanwhile, shared on social media that she was physically assaulted and posted images of herself with her arm in a sling. She has also made posts related to the incident, criticizing the media for giving a platform to activists. Capitol Police charged McIntyre with assaulting a government official, and he pleaded not guilty through a court-appointed attorney. Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered McIntyre to stay away from Mace and released him with conditions. Mace has faced backlash for her response to the incident, which comes amid her introduction of a measure to bar lawmakers and House employees from using single-sex facilities different from their biological sex.
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