This needs to stop immediately.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) shared a disturbing experience on social media Tuesday evening, revealing that she was “physically accosted” by a transgender rights activist at the U.S. Capitol complex. The congresswoman, who has been a vocal advocate for limiting transgender individuals’ access to single-sex facilities, indicated that the altercation was the result of her ongoing efforts to protect women’s rights in spaces like restrooms and locker rooms.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mace described the incident, stating, “I was physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-trans man.” She later added that while she suffered minor injuries, such as a bruised wrist and a sore arm, she would recover quickly. Despite the physical confrontation, Mace remained resolute in her commitment to the cause that provoked the altercation—standing up for women and their right to have single-sex spaces protected.
Capitol Police arrested James McIntyre, a 33-year-old from Illinois, in connection with the assault. According to a statement from Capitol Police, McIntyre was taken into custody inside the Rayburn House Office Building after an investigation. He now faces charges for assaulting a government official. Capitol Police confirmed that the building was open to the public at the time of the incident and that McIntyre passed through security screening before entering the Capitol complex.
Mace has become a target of heated backlash due to her stance on transgender issues. In particular, her efforts to ban transgender women from using women’s facilities in the Capitol have sparked strong reactions from activists. Recently, she introduced a resolution to establish a transgender bathroom ban, particularly in response to the election of Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE), who will become the first openly transgender member of Congress.
In the wake of Tuesday’s assault, Mace reaffirmed her position, posting on X, “Your trans violence and threats on my life will only make me double down. FAFO.” She went on to emphasize that the threats she has received, including this physical confrontation, only further demonstrate the need for stronger protections for women. “Women deserve to be safe,” she wrote. “Your threats will not stop my fight for women!”
Mace’s resilience in the face of threats and violence highlights the growing cultural and political divide over issues related to gender and public accommodations. Despite the controversy, Mace remains firm in her belief that protecting the safety and privacy of women is paramount.