'It felt very political in nature': Trump official assaulted at UNGA with 'derogatory, pro-Palestinian remarks'

Donald Trump

A senior Trump administration official was reportedly attacked inside the United Nations headquarters during the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, sparking outrage in Washington and raising questions about UN security. According to Fox News, the official, who works in international relations at the Department of Health and Human Services, was part of Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s team at the high-profile event.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reportedly said the staffer “was followed into a bathroom, recorded, physically assaulted and verbally accosted by a deranged leftist at the UN who somehow entered the venue past multiple layers of security.” She added: “Thankfully, the official is safe, and the lunatic was arrested, but this is part of a disturbing and dangerous set of failures by the UN after their sabotage of President Trump ahead of and during his speech.”

The HHS official recalled being disoriented when a woman “began yelling derogatory and pro-Palestinian remarks while shining a bright light” in her face. “It was very disorienting. Once I took a step back and regained my footing, it didn’t stop. I realized what was happening,” she told Fox News Digital. The attacker allegedly followed her into a restroom, tried to force entry into a stall, and continued filming over the stall door while screaming insults. “Her yelling turned into screaming hyper-aggressive insults,” the official was quoted, describing how the ordeal lasted about 10 minutes until she managed to escape into the hallway.

The assailant has been charged with assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. She was released Friday evening and is scheduled to appear in court on November 13. The US Secret Service has launched an investigation into how the intruder gained access to what is considered one of the most secure diplomatic sites.

A US spokesperson at the UN condemned the incident: “We are outraged that a member of the US delegation was physically assaulted inside of UN Headquarters the afternoon of September 25. This attack must be addressed swiftly, and consequences must be felt.” Another statement noted: “If you can’t keep people safe in your own building, how can you claim to be the world’s diplomatic centre?”

The victim said the episode felt “very political in nature.” She added, “Secretary Kennedy gets a tremendous number of bows and arrows and threats that he deals with, but it seems that it’s not enough, and it is trickling down. That’s a scary thing for the team. But we’re more empowered, and we have amazing leadership.”

The incident has intensified criticism of the UN’s ability to safeguard high-level events. US officials are demanding a review of security protocols, calling the breach a “serious national security concern.” The UN has pledged cooperation with US authorities, insisting the attack was “unacceptable” and promising to provide “every available resource” for the ongoing investigation.