Jasmine Crockett's Altercation With Conservative Reporter Facing Review for Possible Charges, US Attorney Says

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C. is reviewing a possible criminal case against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) after a conservative reporter accused her of assault following a heated interaction on Capitol Hill last week.

The controversy began on March 25, when Charles Downs, a reporter aligned with right-wing commentator Laura Loomer, confronted Crockett while recording on his phone, according to Raw Story. Downs claimed he was asking the congresswoman about her stance on Tesla when she allegedly scratched him while attempting to block his camera.

The video, widely shared in conservative circles, shows Crockett extending her hand toward the phone before the clip cuts off. Downs later filed a police report with the U.S. Capitol Police, alleging assault, battery and attempted theft of his phone.

On April 1, Acting U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Edward Martin confirmed that his office would review the case if it is formally referred by law enforcement.

In a statement posted on X, Martin reiterated that "no one is above the law" and assured that proper procedures would be followed to determine whether charges are warranted. Downs, meanwhile, announced that his complaint had been officially escalated to the U.S. Attorney's Office, calling it a "very big development" and describing the incident as "horrific."

If the case proceeds, Crockett could face legal consequences, though the severity of any potential charges remains unclear.