A Trump administration staffer was assaulted Thursday afternoon inside the United Nations in New York during the UN General Assembly, according to statements from the White House. The official, assigned to the Department of Health and Human Services, was reportedly followed into a restroom, filmed, and physically attacked.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the assailant gained entry past multiple security layers. The suspect, described as a “deranged leftist,” was taken into custody by NYPD and faces charges including assault, harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon. She was later released and is due in court November 13.
The administration says the official, though shaken, is safe. U.S. officials have called for a Secret Service review of how a violent attacker could penetrate what should have been secure zones. Meanwhile, the incident has renewed calls from the White House for tighter UN security protocols.
The event comes amid heightened tensions at this year’s General Assembly, following disruptions during President Trump’s appearance, which he has publicly described as “sabotage” by UN operators.