A US congresswoman fended off an assailant by throwing hot coffee at him when he assaulted her in an elevator.
Rep. Angie Craig was bruised after she fought off the attacker during the incident at her apartment building.
Washington DC police say a suspect, identified as 26-year-old Kendrick Hamlin, has been charged with simple assault.
Craig’s chief of staff Nick Coe said the Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota was bruised but “physically okay” following the attack, which did not appear to be politically motivated.
“Rep. Craig is grateful to the DC Metropolitan Police Department for their quick response and is asking for privacy at this time,” Coe said.
Ms Craig saw the attacker “behaving erratically” and appearing likely to be “under the influence of an unknown substance,” according to a report filed with police.
The attacker grabbed Ms Craig’s neck and also punched her in the chin, the police report added.
Ms Craig defended herself by throwing hot coffee at the attacker before he fled the scene, according to the report.
“Around 7.10am the suspect approached the victim, inside an elevator, at the location indicated,” police said in a written statement.
“When the victim defended himself, the suspect fled the scene,” police said.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said he spoke to Craig and said he was “fine.”
