Homeless Man Sentenced After Attacking Democrat

(UnitedHeadlines.com) – On Nov. 16, Kendrid Khalil Hamlin, 26, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his attack on Democratic Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig, 51, inside the elevator of her Washington, D.C., apartment building in February.

Hamlin, who is homeless, attacked two law enforcement officers when they attempted to arrest him. He also bit one of the officers on the shoulder. In May, Hamlin pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a member of Congress as well as two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg also sentenced Hamlin to 36 months of supervised release following his prison sentence. Due to Hamlin’s history of assaulting law enforcement officers, prosecutors had sought a 39-month prison sentence.

In a victim impact statement, Craig described the attack in detail. She wrote that Hamlin trapped her inside the elevator and punched her in the face. When the doors opened, Craig screamed for help as he tried to pull her back inside the elevator. She added that she defended herself and got away because she threw hot coffee at Hamlin. She said the incident has “significantly impacted” her “sense of safety and security.”

While in the lobby of Craig’s building, Hamlin was “acting erratic,” according to authorities. Before he assaulted Craig, Hamlin was seen doing push-ups inside the elevator.

Craig noted that the attack caused security concerns for her after a media outlet revealed her address. She asked the court to consider the impacts of the “significant adverse consequences” that occurred due to the attack.

Craig stated she hoped that in addition to his sentence, Hamlin would be provided with mental health as well as addiction services. In February, she noted she was the 13th assault on his record, adding that she would ensure there was not a 14th assault.

According to Hamlin’s attorney, at the time of the assault, he was battling a drug addiction and homelessness. His attorney added that Hamlin has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and mental disabilities.