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Queens U.S. Rep. Grace Meng Attacked In Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork) -- Queens U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) has returned to regular duties after being attacked and robbed in Washington, D.C.

The freshman member of Congress, who represents the 6th Congressional District of New York, said she was hit over the head and robbed of her handbag at Sixth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near Capitol Hill Tuesday night.

Queens U.S. Rep. Grace Meng Attacked In Washington, D.C.

Meng was headed toward her D.C. apartment after having dinner at a restaurant on 8th Street Southeast, when the robber struck her in the back of the head, according to information from police and a statement from her office. She fell to the ground, and the perpetrator took her black Gucci handbag and ran off, police and the statement said.

A police report indicated that Meng was disoriented during when officers arrived at the scene. The officers found she had suffered injuries to her left knee, left hand and the left side of her face, and it was later learned that she had also bruised the back of her head.

Meng spoke with WCBS 880's Peter Haskell about the incident.

"As I was walking, I got behind the head. I didn't see anyone or hear anyone," she said.

She was taken to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, where she underwent a CAT scan, the statement said. She has since resumed regular activities.

Meng said she was left bruised from the blow to the head and on her chin, which slammed to the ground. She also was left with a skinned knee.

But she told Haskell it was a good thing it wasn't worse.

"I feel very fortunate that I don't have any serious, lasting injuries," she said.

Meng told police she was not able to remember where the robbery occurred or provide a description of a suspect or suspects. Officers canvassed the area, but did not find any people of interest.

And even though the attack happened only at 8:30 p.m., Meng said she will think twice before walking alone again.

U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation.

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