Former staffer disputes Rep. Nancy Mace's claims of attack by trans activist

Rep. Nancy Mace claims she was attacked by a trans activist on Capitol grounds, but her former communications director disputes this. James McIntyre was arrested for allegedly assaulting Mace, but witnesses describe the encounter as a handshake, not an attack. Mace shared a photo of herself in a sling, suggesting it was a result of the incident. Natalie Johnson, her ex-staffer, criticized Mace's claims, calling them a "pathetic ploy for attention" and recalling Mace's past comments about wanting to be punched during the January 6 riots. McIntyre was released from jail with conditions to stay away from Mace and not enter D.C. Mace has faced scrutiny for her media tactics and controversial legislation targeting trans women, which Johnson argues is more about gaining attention than protecting women.