COLUMBIA, S.C.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican considering a bid for governor, decried a decision by a federal prosecutor to withdraw charges against a man she accused of assaulting her last year.
“When a man can physically assault a woman in the halls of Congress, with impunity, it sends an appalling message to every woman in America,” Mace said. “If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”
In December, Mace accused James McIntyre of Illinois who is a youth advocate and transgender activist of physically accosting her during an event at the U.S. Capitol.
She said the incident caused her to wear an arm brace.
“I was injured, intentionally, and I am still in pain. I filed charges, and they were inexplicably ignored,” Mace said. “But I will not be. I will not back down.”
Mace’s statement was released shortly after she spoke to reporters during a visit to the State House as she considers run for governor.
Mace, who represents the Lowcountry congressional district, said she planned to meet with House Speaker Murrell Smith and other lawmakers. As a former lawmaker, she has privileges to walk onto the floor.
“I’m here this morning to talk to folks and get feedback on the future of South Carolina, what we can do to make it bigger, better, stronger, and how we can have strong leadership here,” Mace told reporters before entering the House chamber.
Mace’s visit was planned after activity on the U.S. House floor was canceled for the rest of the week.