Congresswoman from NY Attacked, Robbed in DC

A U.S. congresswoman from New York was beaten and robbed of her handbag as she walked home from dinner in Washington, D.C., authorities said.

Rep. Grace Meng, who represents parts of Queens, was walking to her home on Independence Avenue Tuesday night when she was struck in the back of the head, briefly losing consciousness.

The suspect took her black Gucci bag and fled on foot.

Meng, 38, appeared disoriented when officers talked to her, according to a police report. She had injuries on her left knee and left hand, the side of her face and the back of her head.

She told NBC News she was knocked out after she hit the ground, and "the next thing I remember is talking to the police officer and the ambulance." 

Meng was able to return to work Wednesday.

"I have a little headache, and a I have a lump here and a skinned knee, but most kids know what that feels like," she told NBC News. "But other than that, I'm back at work and taking it slowly." 

Meng didn't get a look at the suspect, but the person took a cell phone out of another cloth tote bag Meng was carrying and threw it to the ground; she says police are testing for prints. 

"Of course it's scary. This could happen to anyone, male, female, young, old, and it's just another opportunity to remind people to exercise caution when they're walking," Meng said.

Meng was elected last year.

Contact Us