The incident occurred last night. GreenvilleOnline is reporting that the woman, Gloria Yvonne Brackett, was unaware that Gowdy is a U.S. Representative:
Authorities believe woman charged w/pointing gun at Trey Gowdy didn't know he was congressman http://t.co/4Bwunzn0
— The Greenville News (@GreenvilleNews) September 10, 2012
A 52-year-old Atlanta woman was charged on Sunday with pointing a gun at U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, a spokesman said.
A woman pointed a loaded pistol at the congressman while he was sitting in his car in the parking lot of Spartanburg First Baptist Church at 8:10 p.m., according warrants and the Spartanburg Department of Public Safety and an arrest warrant.
“We are certain that she does not know” he was a congressman,” said Spartanburg Public Safety Director A. Tony Fisher.
Report: Woman arrested for pointing gun at GOP Rep. (by @JonEasley) http://t.co/5iB6tq4T
— The Hill (@thehill) September 10, 2012
According to the report, 52-year-old Gloria Yvonne Brackett approached the freshman representative in a church parking lot. Brackett was holding a gun and told Gowdy to stop following her.
Gowdy had been waiting in his car to pick his daughter up after church. No shots were fired, and Rep. Gowdy left the scene unharmed. His spokesman released a statement:
@TGowdySC spox: "Mr Gowdy thanks police for their help & caring for his daughter. He will let criminal justice process take its course."
— Sean Muserallo (@seanmuserallo) September 10, 2012
Spartanburg Public Safety Director Tony Fisher held a brief press conference earlier:
What do to have to do to get media out to #Spartanburg City Hall? Have some crazy lady point a gun at a congressman. pic.twitter.com/YswZHMZw
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
#Spartanburg Public Safety Director Tony Fisher speaking to media on woman point gun at #TreyGowdy at First Baptist.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Gowdy came directly to Public Safety after the incident. Woman had a CZ .32 Caliber pistol, is a native of Cowpens.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Director Fisher: coordinating with solicitor to see if additional charges will be filed.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Woman is currently resident of Atlanta. Not sure if she knew that Gowdy is a congressman.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Director Fisher: will be evaluating woman’s mental health over the next few days. Suspect was on foot, had been dropped off at bus station.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Suspect wandered over to church parking lot after deciding not to take bus back to Atlanta.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Director Fisher: Public Safety has no information that suspect knew who Congressman Gowdy was.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Press conference over.
— Christopher George (@ChrisDGeorge) September 10, 2012
Predictably, a few people used the opportunity to turn the incident into a call for more gun control:
https://twitter.com/LeftJabs/status/245105304268849152
(I thought Repubs loved guns)Trey Gowdy Confronted At Gunpoint,Suspect Gloria Yvonne Brackett Arrested http://t.co/k8pHtmti via @HuffPostPol
— Brezzydee (@Brezzydee) September 10, 2012
https://twitter.com/DearLeader10/status/245162672826490881
Maybe she was just standing her ground? "GOP Congressman Threatened At Gunpoint" http://t.co/AXFcbgj4
— Majda ?? (@majda72) September 10, 2012
Well, they want everyone armed right? "@HuffingtonPost: GOP congressman confronted at gunpoint http://t.co/cQ6NKk9O"
— Kelvin Williams (@kelvinewilliams) September 10, 2012
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) Hates the 2nd amendment: http://t.co/WTNIAtRH #p2
— Andrew Bussiere (@andrewrbussiere) September 10, 2012
Meanwhile, we’re grateful that Rep. Gowdy and his daughter are safe.
https://twitter.com/amandacarpenter/status/245136445977788416
Indeed.
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