National Journal Covering the McKinney Assault Story

Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) punched a U.S. Capitol Police officer today after he mistakenly pursued her for failing to pass through a metal detector. Members are not required to pass through metal detectors and the officer, manning a position at Longworth House Office Building, apparently did not recognize McKinney and didn't see her Member pin. The officer called out "Ma'am, Ma'am," in an attempt to stop her. When the officer caught up to McKinney, he grabbed her by the arm. McKinney pulled her arm away, swung around, cell phone in hand, and punched the officer square in the chest, according to the witness. McKinney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.