Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has accused Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the activist group CODEPINK, of assaulting her outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. However, video footage of the incident appears to contradict the congresswoman's account.
Incident Details
According to Luna's social media post on X, she was followed and berated by CODEPINK members after questioning Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the group's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Luna claimed that Benjamin, the organization's head in Washington, D.C., struck her. “I will be filing charges,” Luna wrote.
Video of the encounter, published by TMZ, shows Benjamin walking behind Luna and questioning her about Rubio’s sanctions against Cuba. At one point, Benjamin’s hand appears to brush against Luna’s arm. Luna immediately reacted, stating, “Wait, you touched me.” Benjamin apologized, insisting the contact was inadvertent. Luna then warned, “You’re gonna walk away right now, or else I’m gonna call Capitol Police.” Benjamin complied and left without further incident.
Reactions and Responses
CODEPINK responded on X, denying that any assault occurred. “Nobody hit her. Instead of answering for the war crimes she supports, this AIPAC-funded congresswoman continues to lie about activists,” the group wrote.
Luna continued to criticize Benjamin on social media, asserting that she “smacked” her arm. “You don’t get to touch me. You don’t get to hit my arm. You don’t get to come to my office and scream and yell,” Luna posted.
In an interview with TMZ, Luna stated that she had provided statements to the U.S. Capitol Police and expects criminal charges to be filed. “Ultimately, they determine whether or not we can actually press charges, but I think they have more than enough evidence,” Luna said. She expressed confidence that Benjamin would be arrested, adding, “I’m just glad that there was footage of it.”
The U.S. Capitol Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and it remains unclear whether any charges have been brought against Benjamin.
