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Suspect arrested for assaulting former Sen. Martha McSally

In an Instagram video, the Arizona politician recalled a recent experience where she was assaulted by a man while going for a run along the Missouri River.

OMAHA, Neb. — Former U.S. Sen. Martha McSally said Wednesday she was recently assaulted by a man while running along the Missouri River near Omaha, Nebraska.

In an Instagram video, the Republican politician said a man had come up from behind her and gave her a "bear hug" before molesting her. McSally said the incident could have been "much worse," but she managed to fight back.

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Arrestan a sospechoso de atacar a la exsenadora Martha McSally

"I ran after him, I threw my water bottle at him and I chased him into the brush where he was then hiding while I called 911 and waited for the police to come," McSally said in the video.

Police announced Friday that 25-year-old Dominic Henton had been arrested in relation to Wednesday's incident by Omaha police officers. An arrest warrant had been issued for Henton, charging him with one count of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.

McSally, who represented Arizona in the Senate between 2019 and 2020, mentioned in her video previous incidents of sexual assault she has experienced. 

In 2019, the former fighter pilot revealed during a Senate hearing that she was raped in the Air Force by a superior officer.

McSally told the Wall Street Journal in 2018 the she had been sexually abused by her track coach when she was a teenager.

McSally was scheduled to speak Wednesday night at an event hosted by the Entrepreneurs' Organization in Nebraska.

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