By Associated Press - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

SEATTLE (AP) - A woman who fought off an attacker inside a Seattle park restroom is now fighting back against a political campaign that used her story as part of a fundraising appeal.

Kelly Herron called on Just Want Privacy to stop using her image and story in its campaign to promote a Washington initiative that would restrict bathroom access for transgender people.

She said in a statement Tuesday that she refuses to allow anyone to use her and her “horrific sexual assault to cause harm and discrimination to others.”



The Seattle Times reports (https://goo.gl/X2FciB ) the campaign on Tuesday issued a statement apologizing to Herron.

Prosecutors say Gary Steiner, a homeless sex offender, punched her in the face and tried to rape her on March 5. He has been charged with attempted second-degree rape and other charges.

The Associated Press generally doesn’t identify sexual assault victims but Herron issued a statement to media outlets Tuesday.

___

Information from: The Seattle Times, https://www.seattletimes.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.