Foster care advocate disputes assertion that Rep. Nancy Mace was ‘physically accosted’

A foster care advocate is disputing Rep. Nancy Mace’s claim that she was physically accosted by a man who approached her after an event in the Rayburn Building celebrating the Foster Care Independence Act. The man, James McIntyre, reportedly reached out his hand to shake Mace’s and ask for support for trans youth as part of the foster care system. Mace left the room shortly after the interaction, and Capitol Police arrived to arrest McIntyre. Mace described the incident as aggressive and intimidating, resulting in pain in her arm and shoulder. However, other advocates who witnessed the exchange said it was a normal interaction and Mace did not appear to react much. McIntyre pleaded not guilty to the charge of assaulting a government official and was released with conditions to stay away from Mace. Mace has since made social media posts related to the incident, criticizing the media coverage and defending her stance on single-sex facilities in response to the election of the first openly transgender member of Congress. The incident has raised questions about the true nature of the interaction between Mace and McIntyre and has brought attention to the issue of advocating for the rights of foster youth, including those who are transgender.

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