Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) released a statement Friday afternoon following the violent assault that she experienced this week while in a Washington, D.C., elevator.
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department said Thursday night that they had arrested 26-year-old Kendrick Hamlin on a charge of simple assault.
“My morning coffee really saved the day yesterday, but not exactly how I expected it to,” Craig said. “On a serious note, I will also say that I was very, very lucky that I was not more injured — and I’ll have more to say about that soon.”
“I wanted to let everyone know that the outpouring of support from friends, constituents and colleagues has been overwhelming,” she continued. “I remain deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers for their quick response and subsequent arrest of a suspect last night.”
Craig said that she was back in Minnesota recovering.
The congresswoman’s office said Craig called 911 and the assailant fled the scene. “There is no evidence that the incident was politically motivated,” the statement added.
Craig reported seeing the suspect in the lobby area of her apartment building “acting erratic” as if he was under the influence of an unknown substance, the report says.
Craig told police that after she told the suspect “good morning,” the suspect followed her into the elevator “and began to randomly do push ups.” Craig told police the suspect then, “with a closed fist,” punched her on the chin area of her face, and later grabbed her neck.
Police said Craig “defended herself by tossing her hot coffee” at the suspect. The report said the suspect escaped before officers arrived. Officers canvassed the basement level parking lot with negative results, the report added.
The Metropolitan Police Department told The Daily Wire that the case remains under active investigation.
Hours after the alleged assault, Craig was back at work. She voted with fellow Democrats and Republicans to overwhelmingly pass a resolution to formally rebuke China over a suspected spy balloon that flew over the United States last week.
After losing a congressional bid in 2016, Craig was first elected to represent Minnesota’s Second Congressional District in 2018.
Craig is married to her wife, Cheryl Greene, and they have four sons, according to the congresswoman’s website.
Daniel Chaitin contributed to this report.