U.S. Rep. Angie Craig assaulted in elevator of her Washington D.C. apartment

(ABC 6 News) – United States Rep. Angie Craig (D) was assaulted in the elevator of her apartment building in Washington D.C. according to a statement released by her Chief of Staff.

The assault happened at approximately 7:15 a.m. Thursday. The statement says Rep. Craig defended herself and suffered bruising, but is otherwise physically okay.

The statement said the assailant fled the scene of the assault before police arrived and there is no evidence that the incident was politically motivated.

The DC Metropolitan Police responded quickly after Rep. Craig called 9-1-1, according to the statement.

The police report states that Rep. Craig reported seeing the man acting erratic as if he was under the influence of something. After she got onto the elevator, the man also got on the elevator and started doing pushups.

He then suddenly punched her in the chin and grabbed her neck, the report states.

Rep. Craig reportedly tossed her hot coffee onto the man and was able to escape.

The assault is under investigation by the DC Metropolitan Police.

U.S. Capitol Police offered the following statement:

“This morning a man, who is believed to be homeless, hit the Congresswoman and grabbed her neck while she was in the elevator of her Washington, D.C. apartment complex. The Congresswoman received a minor injury to her chin. DC’s Metropolitan Police Department was called and responded. At this time, there is no information that the Congresswoman was targeted because of her position, however the case is still under investigation by both the MPD and the USCP.”

U.S. Capitol Police

Minnesota DFL Party Chairman, Ken Martin released the following statement regarding the assault:

“I was shocked and horrified to hear that Representative Angie Craig was assaulted this morning. It is a relief to hear that the injuries sustained by Representative Craig are not dire, and I wish her a speedy recovery. I am grateful the D.C. police responded quickly to the situation and I hope the assailant will be swiftly brought to justice.”

“While we do not know the motivations of the attacker, I believe it is important for leaders on both sides of the aisle to step up and make it clear that political violence of any kind is completely unacceptable.”

Minnesota DFL Party Chairman, Ken Martin

ABC 6 News will provide additional information when it becomes available.