Republican Representative Cory Mills of Florida was almost arrested and warned he would be put in handcuffs after a woman called the police, according to a report.
In February 2025, police opened an investigation into Mills over an alleged physical assault of a 27-year-old woman at his Washington, D.C., property. Mills denies assault.
According to body camera footage and an affidavit seeking an arrest warrant obtained by The Washington Post, police almost arrested Mills on February 19, 2025, after a woman initially accused him of assault.
Mills, told the publication earlier this month that the woman’s initial claim that he had assaulted her was “patently false.” “I’m not commenting on any more of this as there was no crime committed or anything left to say,” he told the publication over text message.
Newsweek has not verified this footage or the documents mentioned by the publication and reached out to D.C. police by email and Mills’ office by phone to comment on this story.
Why It Matters
Mills is facing renewed scrutiny over sexual misconduct accusations as similar scandals led two congressmen, California Democrat Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzales, to resign this week. While Mills has described comparisons with the other lawmakers as unfair, some on Capitol Hill are calling for him to resign, which could further erode the GOP’s slim majority in the House.
If Mills, who has served as the representative for Florida’s 7th Congressional District since 2023, is removed from Congress or resigns, it may affect the Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections, in which they hope to protect their narrow majority.
What To Know
According to the report about the video, the unnamed woman showed Police Officer Richard Mazloom bruises on her arms and said Mills had harmed her. The publication said she changed her account after appearing to talk to the politician on the phone.
Footage taken later that day seemingly showed Mills telling police later that day he was concerned allegations against him would be “weaponized” because of his party. He reportedly then said he wanted to call then-Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“I stepped toward you once, if I do it again, it will be to put you in handcuffs,” Mazloom reportedly said in response. “If I say don’t make a phone call, just don’t do it.”
In November, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into Mills’ conduct over allegations of failing to properly disclose required information on statements filed with the House; violating campaign finance laws and regulations in connection with his 2022 and 2024 campaigns; improperly soliciting and/or receiving gifts; receiving special favors by virtue of his position; engaging in misconduct with respect to allegations of sexual misconduct and/or dating violence; and/or misusing congressional resources or status, according to a news release filed at the time.
In October, a Florida judge issued a restraining order against Mills for “protection against dating violence” after his ex-girlfriend accused him of harassment, saying he threatened to blackmail her using nude images and videos.
What Happens Next
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters he would be “looking into” the House investigation into Mills.
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