Rep. Brad Finstad’s aide assaulted at gunpoint near US Capitol.

Staffer Attacked Near U.S. Capitol Following Congressional Baseball Game

Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) revealed on Friday that one of his staffers had been attacked near the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday night. The incident occurred outside the staffer’s residence after the Congressional Baseball Game, where Finstad himself had participated.

Quick Recovery and Minor Injuries

“Thankfully, he will be able to make a full recovery and the extent of his physical injuries was minor,” stated Finstad. He expressed gratitude towards the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for their swift response and attention to the incident.

The Metropolitan Police Department, however, could not provide further details about the attack to the Washington Examiner.

Details of the Attack

According to Fox News’s Chad Pergram, the victim is a legislative staffer in his late 20s working within Finstad’s office. The attack took place in Navy Yard, near Nationals Park where the game was held. The staffer was approached by two men, one of whom was armed. A struggle ensued, resulting in the staffer being assaulted with the weapon but fortunately not shot. The victim sustained cuts and bruises but did not seek immediate medical attention.

Finstad’s Critique of “Soft-on-Crime” Policies

In his statement, Finstad criticized Washington’s “soft-on-crime” policies, which have been a target of the GOP in recent weeks. Republicans have been attempting to block or overturn crime bills subjected to congressional oversight. Finstad emphasized the need to treat criminals as criminals and reinstate commonsense policies that protect the public, imprison career criminals, and enable police officers to effectively safeguard communities.

Crime rates have been on the rise in 2023, with homicides up by 16% compared to the previous year, and assaults with dangerous weapons and robberies up by 5% and 31% respectively.

Recent Attacks on Congressional Members and Staffers

This incident is not an isolated one, as there have been other attacks on congressional members and staffers in recent months. In March, a staffer with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was hospitalized after a knife attack, sustaining injuries to the abdomen, skull, brain, and lungs. Additionally, Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) was attacked in an elevator at her Washington apartment a month prior.

“We have to do more to protect these aides and members,” Finstad emphasized, expressing concern for the safety of those attending games at Nationals Park.

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.

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