US police attempted to detain Rep. Cory Mills after assault call: Report

Berk Kutay Gokmen

US police were nearing the arrest of Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills after a woman accused him of assault last year, but a lieutenant stopped it when she changed her account after appearing to speak with the congressman, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

The next day, police reportedly sought a warrant from then-interim US Attorney Ed Martin, an appointee of President Donald Trump, but he declined. The Feb. 19, 2025, incident is part of a broader Ethics Committee investigation by the House of Representatives into Mills as he seeks a third term with Trump’s backing.

Officer Richard Mazloom, who responded to the 911 call, disagreed with his superior’s decision to classify the case as a “family disturbance” after the woman recanted, said the report.

“Unfortunately, I have bosses that are making this into a family disturbance — a domestic disturbance — instead of an actual domestic assault,” Mazloom told the alleged victim.

Before changing her story, the woman reportedly showed Mazloom bruises on her arms and marks on her face and said Mills had hurt her during an argument and forced her out of his apartment.

“I just wanted to make record of this because I don’t want it to happen to anyone else,” she said during an interview at a hotel bar hours after the incident.

Soon after, she was heard on the phone telling Mazloom that “he wants me to say” that the marks “were from our vacation and that I bruise easily.” Mazloom later said he believed she was speaking with Mills, according to the report.

The pair had just returned from Dubai, where the couple said she bruised herself while riding a camel. Investigators at one point prepared to transport Mills for booking, footage shows.

Under the law in Washington DC, police must make an arrest in domestic violence cases if there is “probable cause” of an intrafamily offense causing injury.

The materials add detail to the case amid scrutiny of lawmakers for alleged misconduct involving women. Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned earlier this week after sexual misconduct allegations he denies, and Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned after acknowledging an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.