Former Arizona Senator Martha McSally Shockingly Assaulted While Jogging in Iowa
Former Arizona Senator Martha McSally recently encountered a terrifying incident while jogging along the Missouri River in Iowa. McSally, who has been open about her past experience of being raped during her time in the Air Force, shared the details of the assault in a heartfelt Instagram post.
The 57-year-old Republican disclosed that she was near the river in Council Bluffs, close to the Nebraska border, when a man unexpectedly approached her from behind, grabbing her in a bear hug. In her Instagram video, McSally bravely stated, He molested and fondled me until I fought him off. This shocking incident took place on Wednesday morning.
McSally, who was in Iowa to deliver a speech on courage in Omaha, explained that she found herself in a fight-flight-or-freeze response, ultimately deciding to fight back. She pursued the assailant, throwing her water bottle at him and giving chase into the nearby brush. While hiding, she promptly called 911 and waited for the police to arrive. Although the authorities were unable to locate the suspect, McSally affirmed that she is physically unharmed.
According to the Council Bluffs Police, the assault occurred at Haffan River’s Edge Park around 10:53 a.m., on a service road near the I-480 underpass. The suspect, described as a stocky male aged between 25 and 40, managed to flee the scene before authorities arrived.
The aftermath of this terrifying attack has left McSally with much to process. She expressed, I will do that in time. However, she also emphasized that she felt empowered in this particular instance. Instead of allowing the assailant to dictate the situation, McSally turned the tables on him, causing him to run away.
This distressing incident follows McSally’s previous revelation of being raped by a superior officer while serving in the Air Force, which she bravely shared during a 2019 senate hearing on sexual assaults in the military. After years of silence, she felt compelled to shed light on her experience and shed light on how it was handled.
McSally’s political career began in 2014 when she was elected to the House of Representatives. However, her bid for Senate in 2018 ended in defeat against Democrat Krysten Sinema. Nevertheless, McSally was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Doug Ducey following the resignation of Sen. John Kyl. Unfortunately, she was subsequently defeated in a 2020 special election by Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly.
This shocking incident, combined with McSally’s previous bravery in speaking out about her own sexual assault, highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence and the necessity for societal change. It serves as a reminder that even those in positions of power can fall victim to such heinous acts, emphasizing the importance of offering support to survivors and promoting accountability for perpetrators.
While McSally continues to process the trauma she has endured, her courage in sharing her story serves as an inspiration for others who have faced similar experiences. This unfortunate incident also underscores the need for continued vigilance and efforts to create a safer environment for everyone, regardless of gender, in all facets of society.
