Police in Nebraska have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged sexual assault of former Republican Arizona Senator Martha McSally. McSally reported that she was sexually assaulted while running along the Missouri River on the Iowa-Nebraska border two days ago. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Dominic Henton of Papillion, was taken into custody in Omaha early this morning, following an arrest warrant issued by the Council Bluffs Police Department. Henton is charged with Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse.
According to investigators, surveillance images show Henton following McSally on her run. The Council Bluffs Police Department stated that McSally was assaulted as she jogged on the River’s Edge Service Road south of the I-480 bridge underpass. McSally fought off the attacker and chased him into a dense area of brush near the I-480 bridge, but lost sight of him before the officers arrived.
Henton, described as a transient who frequents the riverfront area on both sides of the Iowa-Nebraska border, was apprehended thanks to the diligent efforts of law enforcement. McSally, who has previously spoken about being a rape survivor, shared her ordeal in an Instagram video. She described the moment a man came from behind and assaulted her, but highlighted her determination to fight back and seek justice.
McSally, who served in Congress before being appointed to the Senate after John McCain’s passing, has been an advocate against sexual assault in the military. She bravely revealed her personal experience of being raped by a superior officer during a 2019 Senate hearing on sexual assault allegations. The incident has once again brought attention to the urgent need for addressing and preventing sexual assault.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of assault and the importance of supporting and empowering them. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to combat sexual violence in all its forms.
Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Greg Norman is a reporter at Digital.
