Representative Gerry Connolly has a Fairfax district office at 10680 Mainland Building in Fairfax City (via Google Maps)
(Updated at 2:45 p.m.) Two members of Rep. Gerry Connolly’s staff they were assaulted this morning by an individual with a baseball bat.
The Fairfax City Police Department is investigating the scene at 10680 Main Street, Suite 140. One person has been taken into custody, while the victims are being treated for injuries that are not considered life-threatening, police said.
According to Connolly, the individual entered his Fairfax district office this morning “armed with a baseball bat and demanded for me before committing an act of violence against two members of my staff.”
“Right now, our goal is to make sure they get the care they need,” Connolly said in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful to the City of Fairfax Police Department and emergency medical professionals for their quick response.”
In an interview with NBC4, a police spokesman described the suspect as an adult male who attacked employees with the baseball bat. Police believe he went to the office. The call came in at 10:49 a.m
“We’re very, very happy that it wasn’t worse,” he told NBC4.
Connolly, a Democrat who represents Virginia’s 11th congressional district in the House of Representatives, also has an office on Capitol Hill in DC.
“I have the best team in Congress,” Connolly said. “District Office staff make themselves available to constituents and members of the public every day. The idea that someone would take advantage of the accessibility of my staff to commit an act of violence is inconceivable and devastating.”
As news of the assault spread, Connolly’s colleagues in Congress and local public officials quickly rallied around him.
“No one should have to fear for their safety simply to do their job,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay. said. “My thoughts are with Gerry’s staff and I hope they make a speedy recovery.”
“The idea that this kind of violence could take place in our community is unfathomable,” said Braddock Borough Supervisor James Walkinshaw. said. “I know all of us at @fairfaxcounty will be thinking of the dedicated public servants who were victims of this attack and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Springfield County Supervisor Pat Herrity, the only Republican on the county Board of Supervisors, said he was “shocked and disheartened to learn of the attack” on Connolly’s office.
“Staff members in our offices often work together to help our mutual constituents. My best wishes for a speedy recovery,” he said.
Rep. Don Beyer he called the attack “very, very scary”, while Senator Mark Warner said it was “an extraordinarily disturbing development.”
“Intimidation and violence, especially against public officials, have no place in our society,” he said. “…My thoughts are with the staff members who were injured.”
Police are currently on scene at 10680 Main Street #140, the office of Congressman Gerry Connolly, investigating the assault of two staff members. The victims are being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The suspect is in police custody. pic.twitter.com/y5R60MxdV2
— Fairfax City Police (@FairfaxCityPD) May 15, 2023
— Representative Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) May 15, 2023
This is very, very scary. I send my best wishes to @GerryConnolly and his team, hoping for the speedy recovery of his employees who were injured in this violent attack. My thanks to the authorities working to protect everyone.
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) May 15, 2023
Intimidation and violence, especially against public officials, have no place in our society. This is an extraordinarily disturbing development, and my thoughts are with the staff members who were injured.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 15, 2023
Terrible news from @GerryConnolly. The idea that this kind of violence could take place in our community is inconceivable.
I know all of us @fairfaxcounty You will be thinking of the dedicated public servants who were victims of this attack and wishing them a speedy recovery.
— Supervisor James Walkinshaw (@JRWalkinshaw) May 15, 2023
Photo via Google Maps
