Rep. Nancy Mace reported that James McIntyre, a transgender youth advocate, assaulted her during an event, leading to his arrest for assaulting a government official. Mace described the incident as aggressive, while witnesses dispute her claims, calling the encounter a handshake. The controversy has escalated due to Mace's previous legislative stance on transgender rights, which critics see as a contributing factor to the incident. Mace has remained vocal on social media about her experience, while McIntyre has pleaded not guilty.