On Monday, U.S. District Attorney Ed Martin issued a statement indicating he is awaiting the completion of a United States Capitol Police (USCP) review regarding an assault by Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett on Charles Downs, a reporter for Loomer Unleashed. Martin’s statement was released via a quote-post on X, responding to a Thursday update from Downs, who confirmed he had formally met with USCP officials. Downs reported that the Capitol Police informed him they would present their findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.
In his official statement posted to his U.S. government X account, Martin addressed the incident, saying, “As I’ve said from Day One, no one is above the law. This matter is currently under review by law enforcement authorities. If it is referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will follow the proper procedures to determine whether charges are appropriate.” Martin then quoted his statement on his personal X account with a single word: “waiting.”
The incident in question occurred last Tuesday when Rep. Crockett confronted Downs after he posed a question about her recent comments made during a Tesla-related organizing call. Downs asked, “Congresswoman, many have interpreted your recent comments during a Tesla takedown organizing call as a call for violence at Tesla showrooms on March 29th. Would you like to clarify your statements?” According to Downs, Crockett initially appeared to dismiss the question, muttering what sounded like, “See what I have to deal with.” When Downs pressed further, asking if she would condemn potential violence at Tesla showrooms, Crockett grabbed his phone and hand.
Tensions continued to rise this week. On Monday, Downs faced additional obstacles while attempting to question Congressional Democrats. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark reportedly avoided his inquiries, shielded by security personnel who used black umbrellas to block his access. The tactic drew comparisons to methods historically employed by groups like Antifa to obstruct journalists during protests, though no direct affiliation was confirmed.
On Tuesday, Rep. Crockett appeared to defend her actions in a sub-post on her official Congressional X account. Referencing Senator Cory Booker’s recent 14-hour Senate floor speech, she wrote, “Disruption is all they seem to understand—so that’s exactly what they’re getting. For 14 hours, @SenBooker has been on the Senate floor, speaking truth within the rules. This cannot be business as usual when our democracy’s on the line. Thank you, senator.” Some interpreted the post as justification for her encounter with Downs, as well as recent heated exchanges involving Elon Musk and Senator Ted Cruz.
As Rep. Crockett stands firm in her stance, attention now turns to the USCP’s investigation.
