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Politics and Government News
Dana Ferguson and Matt Sepic

MN Rep. Angie Craig says coverage of D.C. assault spurred her to move, outpouring of threats

A woman with dark hair wearing a blue suit jacket
Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig poses for a portrait at Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News 2019

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Updated: 12:13 p.m.

Minnesota U.S. Rep. Angie Craig revealed Tuesday that she had to move from her Washington, D.C. apartment and encountered death threats following media coverage of her assault earlier this year.

In a victim impact statement filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Craig said the assault caused physical and mental injuries. She asked the court to hold the man who attacked her, Kendrid Hamlin, to account.

“I received a flurry of additional targeted physical violence and death threats to myself and my staff,” Craig wrote. “Yes, I fought Mr. Hamlin off and escaped. And I feel very fortunate to not have been more physically injured. However, I wish to bring to the court’s attention that his actions have resulted in significant adverse consequences.”

In February, the 27-year-old man followed the congresswoman into an elevator, demanded to go to her apartment, then punched her in the jaw. Craig sustained bruising and a cut lip. But she escaped after dumping hot coffee on him.

Authorities said Hamlin bit two police officers as they were arresting him later that day. 

Craig said media coverage of the assault made it even worse.

“I was doxed by a media outlet when it disclosed the physical address of the apartment building where the assault occurred — forcing me to break my lease and move from the D.C. apartment for targeted security concerns,” Craig wrote.

She also wrote that media personalities commenting on the assault resulted in her receiving even more threats of violence. She did not name any specific outlets.

Hamlin faces sentencing on Thursday. In June, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of Congress and other charges. 

Citing earlier convictions for violent crime, federal prosecutors are seeking a 39-month sentence.

There’s no evidence that the attack was politically motivated.

In legal filings, Hamlin’s attorneys say his conduct stemmed from homelessness and untreated mental illness. They say Hamlin was “nearly catatonic [and] unable to stand on his own” at his first court appearance.

Craig is a third term Democrat representing Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, which covers suburban and rural communities south of the Twin Cities.