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US Senate staffer robbed at gunpoint in Northeast DC

This is, of course, not the first time Capitol Hill staffers have been victims of D.C. crime.

WASHINGTON — A staffer for Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) was robbed at gunpoint on Thursday night, DC Police confirmed Friday.

The incident happened around 8:20 p.m. in the 1200 block of E Street, Northeast.

DC Police said the woman was walking down the sidewalk when she was approached by a person who pointed a gun in her face who said "Give me your purse and keys."

The woman complied with the suspect.

The suspect took the victim's property and then got into her car and fled the area in her Acura.

Police said the person got the woman's bag, keys, her car, MacBook, and other items.

Sen. Britt released a statement on the robbery, thanking police for their quick action but criticizing D.C. for its "out-of-control crime":

"We thank God that she is safe and sound after this terrifying incident, and we're grateful to the Capitol Police Department and Metropolitan Police Department officers who quickly and professionally responded to the scene. It is infuriating and completely unacceptable that an American who is on Capitol Hill to serve her country cannot safely walk the streets of Washington, D.C. at 8:30 at night because of the out-of-control crime in this city. Just look at the police department’s own numbers – this year, robberies are up 68% and motor vehicle thefts are up 102%. Local elected officials in the District of Columbia have the responsibility not just to their citizens, but to the country, to step up and get a hold of the crime crisis ravaging the streets of our nation’s capital."

This is, of course, not the first time Capitol Hill staffers have been victims of D.C. crime.

RELATED: Neighbors hope Congressman's carjacking changes how DC responds to crime

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) was carjacked earlier this month by three people with guns in Southeast.

Cuellar's chief of staff said, “As Congressman Cuellar was parking his car this evening, 3 armed assailants approached the Congressman and stole his vehicle. Luckily, he was not harmed and is working with local law enforcement. Thank you to Metro PD and Capitol Police for their swift action and for recovering the Congressman’s vehicle.”

The congressman said that police recovered his car and other belongings within two hours.

RELATED: Staffer who was stabbed in DC is expected to make full recovery

On March 25, a staffer for Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), was stabbed multiple times near Sol Mexican Grill in the 1300 block H Street Northeast.

The staffer, who Sen. Paul identified as Phillip Todd, was apparently attacked at random. He suffered a brain bleed and a punctured lung that required multiple surgeries.

The shocking incident was caught on camera.

A short time later, Police arrested 42-year-old Glynn Neal in connection to the stabbing. Police said Neal had just been released from prison at the time of the stabbing. 

He was charged with assault with intent to kill.

RELATED: DC Police arrest man for punching Minnesota Congresswoman in apartment elevator

Back in February, Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota) fought off an attacker in her Northeast apartment building using hot coffee. 

Police said Craig told the suspect "good morning" as she got into the elevator to go to her apartment. The man joined Craig in the elevator and began to randomly do push-ups.

During the elevator ride, the man punched Craig on the chin and later grabbed her neck. Police say the congresswoman was able to defend herself, throwing hot coffee at him before escaping.

The same day, police arrested Kendrick Hamlin, also known as Hamlin Khalil Hamlin, in connection to the assault. He was charged with simple assault.

WATCH NEXT: Texas congressman carjacked outside DC apartment

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