General

House Republican: ‘Rapists should be hung, period’

Source: The Hill April 13, 2026 at 3:54 PM (22 hours ago) California House

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) stated that 'rapists should be hung' in response to sexual assault allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), though Ogles claimed his comment was not directed at the California Democrat. The statement reflects heightened partisan tensions surrounding recent allegations within Congress.

Key Points

  • Rep. Ogles made inflammatory rhetoric about capital punishment in the context of ongoing congressional sexual assault allegations
  • Comment came amid reports of allegations against Rep. Swalwell, a Democratic colleague
  • Ogles attempted to distance his statement from being a direct attack on Swalwell