Charges against Nancy Mace's alleged assailant dropped amid controversy

In December 2023, a man named James McIntyre allegedly assaulted South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace during an event at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Mace accused McIntyre of shaking her hand in an exaggerated and aggressive manner, claiming that this encounter left her with wrist pain that required her to wear a brace and use ice on her arm. The incident sparked a media frenzy as Mace tied the alleged assault to her advocacy against pro-transgender legislation, prompting her to label the interaction as a form of trans violence. McIntyre, a national foster care advocate who identifies as pro-trans, was charged with a misdemeanor after the incident and pleaded not guilty. However, federal prosecutors decided to drop the charges against him in April 2025, citing that they would not pursue the case any further. The dismissal followed McIntyre's statements, which emphasized that Mace's accusations were baseless and reflective of a broader effort to criminalize individuals advocating for transgender rights. Witnesses to the handshake expressed a differing perspective, arguing that the interaction did not seem aggressive. Elliott Hinkle, an advocate for LGBTQ rights, emphasized that McIntyre's actions were merely a typical handshake followed by a supportive comment regarding transgender youth. Meanwhile, Mace continued to assert that she felt physically attacked and illustrated her concerns about safety for women in political spaces. She expressed indignation over the dropping of the charges, suggesting that it sends a harmful message to women in Congress and beyond. The incident highlighted a controversial clash over transgender rights and surveillance in political discourse, with Mace pushing legislation that would prevent transgender women from using women's facilities in federal buildings. This legislation, essentially targeting transfeminine individuals in the political arena, has been met with criticism from LGBTQ advocates who believe it fuels anti-trans sentiment. The case showcases the tensions over gender identity politics in America, reverberating throughout media, advocacy groups, and legislative actions.