A US congresswoman fought off an attacker by throwing hot coffee over him when he assaulted her in an elevator.

Representative Angie Craig was left bruised after fending off the assailant during the incident in her apartment building.

Police in Washington DC say a suspect, identified as 26-year-old Kendrick Hamlin, was charged with simple assault.

Ms Craig’s chief of staff, Nick Coe, said the Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota was bruised but “physically OK” following the attack, which did not appear to be politically motivated.

“Rep. Craig is grateful to the DC Metropolitan Police Department for their quick response and asks for privacy at this time,” Mr Coe said.

Ms Craig saw the assailant “acting erratic” and he seemed likely “under the influence of an unknown substance,” according to a report filed with police.

The attacker grabbed Ms Craig’s neck and also punched her in the chin, the report filed with police added.

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Ms Craig defended herself by throwing hot coffee at the attacker before he fled the scene, according to the report.

“At approximately 7.10am the suspect approached the victim, inside of an elevator, at the listed location,” police said in a written statement.

“When the victim defended themselves, the suspect fled the scene,” police said.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, said he spoke to Craig and said she was “doing fine”.

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