Police in Walton County, Florida have confirmed reports that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was attacked at an event he was attending with his wife. According to the police statement, 41-year-old Selena Chambers of Tallahassee was arrested on Saturday after she intentionally threw a glass of wine at Rep. Gaetz while shouting obscenities. She was charged with battery on an elected official and issued a $1,000 bond.
Rep. Gaetz, in a statement, described Chambers as a “registered Democrat and self-described member of the ‘Resistance’” who is “very obsessed with Donald Trump.” He also said that she was a donor to the Joe Biden presidential campaign.
In a video statement, Rep. Gaetz described the incident as taking place during the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin in Walton County, Florida. He said that he and his wife were taking pictures and having “polite conversations” when Chambers threw the drink on them. He also said that the Walton County Sheriff’s Office acted quickly to contain the situation.
Rep. Gaetz went on to say that while people can express their opinions, including shouting and screaming, it is not acceptable to physically harm someone or throw things. He said that when people do cross the line and cause harm to the community, it is important to take action to contain the situation.
The @WCSOFL is confirming reports that our agency responded to an incident at an event in Miramar Beach Saturday involving Representative Matt Gaetz.
A 41-year-old Tallahassee woman, Selena Chambers, was arrested after it was found she intentionally threw a glass of wine at… pic.twitter.com/ZD9kalzjVM
— Walton Co. Sheriff (@WCSOFL) May 2, 2023
Rep. Gaetz also discussed Chambers’ writings, saying that she has written about “feminist surrealism” and that she believes women need a “surrealist survivor kit” that includes psychoanalysis, mythology, memoirs, and Sadeianism. He said that some of her writings have connections to Wiccan life, which he described as “very strange.”
No further details have been released at this time, and the incident is still under investigation.
The @WCSOFL is confirming reports that our agency responded to an incident at an event in Miramar Beach Saturday involving Representative Matt Gaetz.
A 41-year-old Tallahassee woman, Selena Chambers, was arrested after it was found she intentionally threw a glass of wine at… pic.twitter.com/ZD9kalzjVM
— Walton Co. Sheriff (@WCSOFL) May 2, 2023
