WASHINGTON (KFGO/WCCO) – Democratic Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig said the assault she experienced in her apartment elevator a few weeks ago can serve as an important learning tool for policymakers.
Craig said she was the suspect’s 13th victim.
The Congresswoman said a major problem facing the nation is the far too often failures of the justice system.
“Why was someone allowed to have 12 counts, before he punched me, of assault without any significant consequences?” Craig asked. “Where along the way did this individual receive any treatment for addiction or for mental illness? There’s lots of issues along the way that you can dig into from a public policy perspective.”
Craig continues to ask herself how the justice system could have let someone like the man who attacked her continue to receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist instead of the support he really needs.
“This is a problem that prosecutors and judges keep letting a guy like that out, just to assault again. And then, you can still say, ‘Why have we failed this 26-year-old man?’” Craig said.
Despite her being attacked by the man, Craig is continuing to look at the bigger picture.
“Why haven’t we been able to offer and give him any support and assistance?” she asked.
As for the health of the Congresswoman, Craig says she’s doing fine but has recently been bombarded with vulgar phone calls after what she said were false attacks levied against her.
While Craig says her family remains concerned for her well being, like other members of Congress, she has a security guard with her most of the time and says she is taking proper precautions to remain safe.
Comments