Florida Congresswoman Alleges Assault by Activist

Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican representative from Florida, has made allegations against Medea Benjamin, a co-founder of the activist group Code Pink, claiming that Benjamin provoked her before physically assaulting her—a confrontation that was recorded on video.

Luna was leaving Congress after an exchange with Secretary of State Marco Rubio when she encountered Benjamin, who was hurling questions at her.

“These are not just ‘allegations.’ It definitely happened. My staff was present and documented the incident,” Luna stated.

Footage of the incident, shared by an anti-war organization, shows Benjamin accusing Rubio of imposing sanctions that negatively affect the Cuban population.

“You just touched me! If you don’t leave right now, I will call the Capitol Police!” Luna responded sharply.

To which Benjamin replied, “Okay, I’ll leave. Goodbye!”

Luna took to social media to announce her intention to file charges against Benjamin, alleging, “After I questioned Secretary Rubio about Code Pink’s affiliations with the Chinese Communist Party, their people attacked me here in D.C. I will proceed with pressing charges.”

She reiterated, “These aren’t mere allegations. My team was on-site and prepared a statement for law enforcement.”

Benjamin, in her response, dismissed Luna’s claims as falsehoods, saying, “Today, a member of Congress lied and had me detained by the Capitol Police. The motive? To silence our efforts in opposing U.S. military actions in the Middle East and sanctions against Cuba.”

Benjamin admitted to touching Luna but insisted she did not assault her. “Rather than standing up for these highly unpopular policies, lawmakers are targeting activists working against them,” she noted. She expressed relief at being released without charges, asserting that intimidation tactics won’t succeed in stifling their message regarding U.S. foreign policy.

The organization Code Pink has yet to provide a comment on the situation.