A judge has granted a temporary protective injunction against U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-District 9, after his wife said she was injured over the weekend in a domestic dispute.
Rep. Grayson's wife, Lolita Grayson, claims the congressman pushed her during an argument while he was attempting to visit his children. There is an investigation into the alleged incident in Orange County. However, no charges have been filed. Rep. Grayson claims the allegations are a lie.
Lauren Doney, a spokeswoman for the Orlando democrat, released the following statement Tuesday:
“It has come to our attention that Ms. Grayson has filed a completely dishonest complaint against Congressman Alan Grayson regarding personal matters that took place last week. These allegations are absolutely false, completely unfounded, and clearly designed to vilify and harm Congressman Grayson.
“Congressman Grayson firmly denies Ms. Grayson’s frivolous accusations. Witnesses at the scene during the time in question also reject Ms. Grayson’s version of events as an outright lie. Sadly, it was Ms. Grayson who physically attacked the Congressman as he attempted to visit with his children. He did not respond to Ms. Grayson’s violent assault."
Juan Lopez, a staffer in Grayson's office said he was there.
“She was really not happy to see him there," Lopez said. "There was a bag with the mail right before the door. He went to go grab it. At the moment, he started walking towards the front of the door. She charged the door from the driveway. Before he went inside, she struck him. She hit him in the face and not only hit him once, repeatedly hit him and shoved him back. At no point and time whatsoever did he lay a hand on her, at all. He never even made it inside the house. At that moment in time, he turns to me, 'let’s go, let’s go, let’s go' and we left. He got in his car. I get in my car. We both left," he said.
The congressman's attorney, Richard West, also said "{Lolita Grayson} is flat out not trustworthy. She is just trying to produce publicity that drags the congressman's name through the mud. The charges are just ridiculous."
West said he will hold a news conference Wednesday to address the issue. However, Rep. Grayson will not be present as "he is in Washington doing his job."
We have contacted Jerry Young, Ms. Grayson's attorney. He has not returned our request for a comment.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident which is listed on the police report as Battery Domestic Violence. Capt. Angelo Nieves, who is the spokesman, said they wouldn't speculate on an active investigation.
Grayson's wife filed for divorce in January.