Council Bluffs, Iowa - Former Arizona politician Martha McSally bravely fought off a sexual assault at River's Edge Park earlier this week, according to Council Bluffs Police. The incident took place on Wednesday at 10:53 a.m. while McSally was jogging on the service road near the Interstate 480 underpass.

In a post on her Instagram account, McSally expressed her determination to fight off her attacker, stating, "I chose to fight, and I'm OK right now in part because of that." She detailed the assault, explaining that the assailant grabbed her "in a bear hug" and proceeded to molest and fondle her. However, McSally's strong response saved her life as she forcefully resisted the attacker.

The CBPD report revealed that McSally bravely pursued the assailant into a dense area of brush near the I-480 bridge. She threw her water bottle at him and continued to chase him until he disappeared.

Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene but were unable to apprehend the attacker, who had fled beforehand. The CBPD report describes the assailant as a white or Hispanic man ranging from 25 to 40 years old, with a stocky build.

Martha McSally, an Air Force veteran who served as a Congresswoman representing Arizona from 2015 to 2019 and as a U.S. Senator from 2019 to 2020, emphasized that she has been a victim of assault in the past. However, her previous experience empowered her to navigate the aftermath of this latest incident.

A day after the alleged attack, McSally posted a second video on Instagram, expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their ongoing investigation and discussing the emotional toll the trauma has taken on her. She urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that can help identify the suspect to contact the CBPD's Criminal Investigation Division at 712-328-4765.

As Martha McSally courageously shares her story, she serves as a beacon of strength and resilience for survivors of assault everywhere. The investigation into the incident at River's Edge Park continues with hopes of identifying the assailant and bringing him to justice.