Rep. Elijah Cummings released a statement Friday saying he shouted at an intruder who had attempted to gain entry into his Baltimore home.
The incident at the Maryland congressman’s home occurred early last Saturday, before the highly-public feuding between him and President Trump.
“An individual attempted to gain entry into my residence at approximately 3:40 AM on Saturday, July 27,” Cummings said. “I was notified of the intrusion by my security system, and I scared the intruder away by yelling before the person gained entry into the residential portion of the house.
“I thank the Baltimore Police Department for their response and ask that all further inquiries be directed to them,” he added.
New statement from House Oversight Cmte. Chairman Cummings on the early Saturday break-in at his home. pic.twitter.com/3ULbA5xv28
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) August 2, 2019
The statement came just hours after Trump tweeted about the break-in, writing, “Really bad news! The Baltimore house of Elijah Cummings was robbed. Too bad!”
Really bad news! The Baltimore house of Elijah Cummings was robbed. Too bad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019
Last weekend kicked off a round of attacks from Trump against the 68-year-old and the district he lives in and represents. In one tweet, Trump referred to Cummings, who is black, as “racist.” Trump also faced considerable criticism for calling Cummings’ Baltimore district a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” where “no human would want to live.”
Cummings is chairman of the House Oversight Committee and has made comments that are critical of Trump’s immigration policies. The president also criticized him for attempts by House Democrats to push the Russian collusion narrative and obstruction claims.
