Former Arizona Republican Senator Martha McSally became the victim of a sexual assault while running in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The alleged attacker, identified as 25-year-old Dominic Henton of Papillion, Nebraska, was swiftly apprehended by authorities and charged with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
McSally’s Brave Instagram Revelation
The Council Bluffs Police Department, aided by surveillance video footage, identified Henton and issued an arrest warrant on Thursday. He was taken into custody by the Omaha Police Department at around 3:20 a.m. local time on Friday.
McSally, a seasoned Air Force veteran and the nation’s first female fighter pilot to serve in combat, bravely took to Instagram to share her ordeal, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against such crimes.
In her Instagram video, McSally recounted the harrowing experience, stating that Henton had approached her from behind, engaging in a physical assault that she was fortunately able to fend off. Police released stills from the surveillance footage, showing Henton following McSally over a pedestrian bridge and onto a trail.
Read more: Trump Trial Reaches Its Final Stages With Prosecutors Doubting Strong Evidence
Omaha Police Unaware of Arrest Warrant
Despite McSally’s swift actions, calling 911 and chasing the assailant, Henton managed to escape initially. Omaha police responded to a welfare call at Henton’s home on Thursday, unaware of the arrest warrant.
Subsequently, after being released from the hospital, Henton was taken into custody by Omaha police following a second call.
McSally expressed gratitude to the detectives working on her case and delivered a stern message to the suspect, stating, “You will not get away with this or try to harm and violate another woman. You picked the wrong target.”
This incident is not the first time McSally has confronted sexual assault. During a 2019 congressional hearing on military sexual assault, she revealed her own experience of being raped by an Air Force officer. Her courage in coming forward and advocating for survivors underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to address and prevent such heinous acts.
Read more: Florida Man’s Violent Outburst: Allegedly Shoots Ex-Girlfriend In Response To Police Intervention
