HHS Official Assaulted at UN; Suspect Arrested

On Sept. 25, a Department of Health and Human Services international‑relations official was followed into a bathroom at UN Headquarters during the UN General Assembly and allegedly verbally and physically assaulted while the attacker shouted pro‑Palestinian insults, called the official a “Nazi” and “fascist,” and recorded the encounter. The NYPD arrested the suspect and charged them with assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon; a source says the person was released Friday evening and is due in court Nov. 13. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly called the assailant a “deranged leftist,” accused the UN of a major security failure and linked the incident to alleged sabotage of President Trump’s appearance. A U.S. UN spokesperson and other administration officials expressed outrage and called for swift consequences. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how the suspect gained access to the secure event. The HHS official, who was in New York supporting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said a bright light used to record her left her disoriented and that the confrontation lasted about 10 minutes.