'I myself have been a victim': Gaetz files complaint against McCarthy after 'sucker punch'

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) on Tuesday filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) after he allegedly jabbed his elbow into another member of Congress.

Gaetz explained in a letter to the Ethics Committee that Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) accused McCarthy of elbowing him earlier on Tuesday. Punchbowl News first reported the letter.

"This assault was witnessed by numerous people, including Claudia Griseles of NPR, who was interviewing Rep. Burchett at the time," Gaetz wrote. "Rep. Burchett has described the attack as a 'sucker punch' and 'a clean shot to the kidney.'"

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"Needless to say, this incident deserves immediate and swift investigation by the Ethics Committee," he continued. "I myself have been a victim of outrageous conduct on the House floor as well, but nothing like an open and public assault on a Member, committed by another Member. The rot starts at the top."

"I request the House Committee on Ethics to proceed immediately with an investigation into the facts of today's incident, including interviewing, under oath, the alleged assailant and assailee, and any witnesses."

McCarthy has previously said Gaetz plotted to oust him as Speaker because he refused to kill an Ethics Committee investigation.