Congresswoman allegedly attacked in Washington, suspect charged

A member of Congress was allegedly attacked Thursday in the elevator of the Washington, D.C. apartment building where she lives.

Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota was bruised in the alleged assault, “but otherwise physically fine,” according to statement posted on her Twitter account by Nick Coe, her chief of staff.

“There is no evidence that the incident was politically motivated,” the statement said.

The Metropolitan Police Department posted on its website that Kendrick Hamlin, 26, who does not have a permanent address, was charged Thursday with simple assault in connection with a local assault in an elevator.

The department did not name the alleged victim, but in a tweet that day, authorities referred to the individual as a “member of Congress.”

According to WUSA-TV, Craig, 50, spotted Hamlin in the lobby of the house where she has an apartment.

Hamlin’s behavior was erratic, “as if he were under the influence of an unknown substance,” according to a police report, the WUSA said in a statement.

The MPD is asking the public for help in identifying the suspect responsible for a simple attack that took place this morning on the 300 block of H Street, NE, involving a member of Congress.

There is information? Call (202) 727-9099/text 50411 pic.twitter.com/ZDYbodVsw7

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 9, 2023

According to a report given to police, Craig said “good morning” to Hamlin as she entered the elevator.

Hamlin then entered the elevator with Craig and began doing push-ups, according to the police report.

According to police, at some point, Craig was hit on the chin and grabbed by the neck. Craig threw hot coffee at her attacker, allowing her to escape from the elevator.

The police responded after Craig called 911 and continued their search as Craig went to Congress as usual.

“It’s pretty annoying to hear. Something like this could happen, but I’m glad to hear that she’s all right,” said Tony Caurilla, Craig’s neighbor.

Statement by Rep. Angie Craig’s Chief of Staff: pic.twitter.com/YHXKJkuK42

— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) February 9, 2023

According to Coe, Rep. Craig is grateful to the DC Metropolitan Police Department for their prompt response and asks for confidentiality.”

Craig cast three votes in Congress on Thursday.

Capitol police said the man accused of assaulting Craig is believed to be homeless, according to CBS News, which said the case is still under investigation.