On Thursday, July 8th, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) delivered a powerful victim impact statement after a man living as a woman was accused of threatening to assassinate her. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Ethan T. Smith, was arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police and charged with threatening to kill a member of Congress.
In her statement, Rep. Mace expressed her shock and disbelief at the incident, stating, “I never thought I would be standing here, as a victim of a threat to my life. This is not something any of us should have to go through.” She went on to condemn the act of violence and emphasized the need for accountability and justice.
The incident took place on Wednesday, July 7th, when Rep. Mace received a disturbing message on her personal social media account. The message, sent by Smith, referenced the ongoing debate on transgender rights and included a threat to “blow your brains out.” Rep. Mace immediately reported the threat to the authorities and has since been working closely with the Capitol Police to ensure her safety.
In her statement, Rep. Mace also acknowledged the bravery of the security personnel who put their lives on the line to protect her and her colleagues. She stated, “I want to thank the Capitol Police for their swift action and for keeping me and my colleagues safe. We must stand together against all forms of violence, and I will not let this incident deter me from doing the work I was elected to do.”
The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation on the safety and security of elected officials, especially in the wake of the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. Rep. Mace, who has been vocal about her support for law enforcement and the need for bipartisan cooperation, reiterated the importance of standing united against acts of violence.
“I will not be intimidated. I will not back down. We cannot let these acts of violence silence us or divide us. We must come together as Americans and reject hate and extremism in all its forms,” stated Rep. Mace.
The suspect, Ethan T. Smith, has a history of mental health issues and has been living as a woman for several years. While this incident does not represent the transgender community as a whole, it does raise concerns about the support and resources available to individuals dealing with mental health issues.
In her statement, Rep. Mace also called for compassion and understanding towards those struggling with mental health. She stated, “We must address the root causes of violence and work towards providing better access to mental health resources for all individuals.”
The incident has also reignited the debate on the use of social media and the spread of hate speech. Rep. Mace stressed the need for accountability and regulations on social media platforms to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In conclusion, Rep. Nancy Mace’s victim impact statement serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing together against all forms of violence and hate. Her courage and resilience in the face of this threat is an inspiration to us all. Let us all come together to reject hate and division and work towards a safer and more united nation.
