Congresswoman Meng, 38, who represents the New York City borough of Queens, had just left having dinner with a companion when she was hit in the head from behind and mugged near Eastern Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The attack and robbery on the congresswoman happened so fast that Rep. Meng did not have a chance to get a description of the suspect. In fact, she has no recollection of how her Gucci purse was taken.
DC Police and Capitol Hill Police responded in short order and are investigating the incident for leads.
After the mugging, Congresswoman Meng was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for cuts and bruises. A scan of her head did not show any internal bleeding or fractures. Nonetheless, Meng said there was swelling on her head, apparently related to a fall during the robbery.
I'm from New York City and I have not been mugged like that. But the Capitol Police were great, the D.C. Police Department was very helpful," Congresswoman Meng said of the mugging.
The courageous lawmaker missed a morning vote, but was back on the job soon thereafter.
With a congresswoman mugged, it shows that even the most secure place in the country cannot fend off all elements of crime. Still, Meng spoke highly of the officers and first responders who arrived on the scene rather quickly.
In the absence of the rapid police response, things could have been worse, according to Meng.
