Minnesota Representative Angie Craig was recently assaulted by a man who pleaded guilty to the charges in a DC apartment building. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of politicians and the need for increased security measures.
According to reports, the man, identified as 37-year-old Robert James Brauer, approached Representative Craig in the hallway of her apartment building and began shouting at her. He then allegedly pushed her against a wall and tried to grab her phone before fleeing the scene.
Brauer was later arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted robbery. He pleaded guilty to both charges in court and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The incident has sparked outrage among politicians and the public alike, with many calling for increased security measures to protect elected officials. Representative Craig herself has spoken out about the incident, stating that she is grateful to be unharmed but that the incident has left her shaken.
In a statement, Representative Craig said, “I am grateful for the quick response of the Capitol Police and local law enforcement, who apprehended the individual responsible for this assault. While I am physically unharmed, the experience was deeply unsettling and has left me shaken.”
The incident comes amid a growing concern about the safety of politicians in the United States. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of violence against elected officials, including the shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords in 2011 and the attack on Republican lawmakers during a baseball practice in 2017.
In response to these incidents, many politicians have called for increased security measures, including increased police presence at public events and increased funding for security upgrades at government buildings.
However, some have criticized these measures as being too extreme and potentially infringing on civil liberties. Others argue that the best way to protect politicians is to address the underlying causes of violence, such as mental illness and access to firearms.
Regardless of the solution, it is clear that incidents like the assault on Representative Craig are a cause for concern. As elected officials continue to face threats and violence, it is important that steps are taken to ensure their safety and protect the democratic process.
