Trump administration official assaulted at UNGA, White House says
HHS official attacked inside UN headquarters during General Assembly; suspect charged and released; U.S. and U.N. officials promise review of security procedures
A Trump administration official was physically assaulted Thursday afternoon inside the United Nations headquarters during the General Assembly, White House aides said. The official works in international relations for the Department of Health and Human Services and was serving in a support role for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the department’s leadership team at UNGA. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital that the official was followed into a bathroom, recorded, physically assaulted and verbally accosted by a deranged leftist, and that the official is safe while the suspect was arrested. Kelly said the Secret Service would investigate how the individual was admitted to a major national security event. A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital the person was charged with assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon. The individual was released from custody at 7:30 p.m. Friday, the source said, with a court appearance expected on Nov. 13.
A U.S. United Nations spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the United Nations must answer why such incidents continue to happen against the president and his staff, calling the attack unacceptable and saying the UN will use every available resource to support the U.S. Secret Service in its investigation. The spokesperson noted that the UN recognizes it has work to do on security and must immediately implement a thorough review of its security operations, arguing the UN needs dramatic reform and accountability. Enough is enough.
The official described the incident in an exclusive interview, recounting how she was followed down a hallway at the UN and confronted by a woman who berated her, shouted pro-Palestinian remarks and shined a bright light in her face, which the official said was used to film. “It was very disorienting,” the official said. “Once I took a step back and regained my footing, I realized what was happening. I realized I was being yelled at and that the light was also a recording device.” The assailant reportedly continued to pursue the official, yelling insults and attempting to film the encounter. The official said the confrontation lasted about 10 minutes, with the assailant blocking doors and recording from outside a bathroom stall. She described the moment as political in nature and said the risk to the team is real, but emphasized that leadership remains empowered and supportive.
The New York Police Department arrested the woman believed to be the assailant; it was not immediately clear whether she remained in custody. Neither the NYPD nor the United Nations promptly responded to requests for comment.
The incident comes as the administration emphasizes heightened security measures around UN events and as U.S. officials have raised questions about UN security practices at major gatherings. In his remarks and at other high-profile moments, President Donald Trump has faced extensive opposition and protests abroad and at home, and U.S. officials have repeatedly stressed the safety of ambassadors and other staff operating at international forums. Kelly’s comments to Fox News Digital framed the UN incident as part of broader concerns about how security is managed at the UN and within international diplomacy spaces.
In a related context, the UN’s own statements have underscored a call for institutional reform in security operations to prevent recurrence, while U.S. officials have pledged cooperation with the Secret Service and law enforcement to ensure accountability. The details of the case, including the suspect’s motives and potential ties to any organized activities, remain under investigation as prosecutors prepare for the next court date.
The UN General Assembly sits as a focal point of international diplomacy, drawing leaders and officials from around the world to discuss security, climate, health, and global governance. The incident prompted immediate internal reviews among U.S. security teams and heightened attention to how events at the UN are secured, particularly those involving high-level U.S. officials. As the legal process proceeds, U.S. officials have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting personnel at international forums and to working with UN authorities to strengthen protective measures in the halls of diplomacy.
For now, the White House and U.S. officials are calling for accountability and improvements in security protocols at the United Nations, amid ongoing debates about how to balance free assembly with the safety of public figures and staff during high-profile global gatherings.
