Congressman Suffers from PTSD after Saving a Woman from being Killed

Adam Kinzinger, former U.S. Congressman and Air Force veteran, has revealed a harrowing personal story in his new documentary, The Last Republican. The film, which premiered at New York City’s Film Forum on Friday, offers an intimate look at Kinzinger’s career and a violent 2006 encounter that altered the course of his life.

In 2006, freshly returned from pilot training, Kinzinger was leaving a German restaurant in Milwaukee when a life-or-death situation unfolded. “It was just after midnight. I’m walking to my car when a woman, holding her throat and bleeding heavily, ran towards me,” Kinzinger recounts in the documentary.

The woman’s attacker was close behind. Kinzinger faced a split-second decision. “I was terrified. Part of me wanted to run,” he admitted. “But I knew I couldn’t live with myself if I walked away.”

Kinzinger engaged in a desperate struggle with the knife-wielding man. “I grabbed his knife hand, and I remember the sheer force of trying to keep it away from both of us,” he said. “In that moment, survival instincts took over.”

He managed to subdue the attacker until police arrived. The aftermath, however, left him shaken. “I had blood all over me. The shirt stayed in a corner of my room for months. I couldn’t bring myself to wash it.”

The Lingering Impact

Kinzinger later realized he was grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. “I’d wake up in cold sweats, replaying that night,” he said. “That moment fundamentally changed me. It made me more empathetic but also more aware of life’s fragility.”

The experience influenced his decision to pursue public service. “Would I have ended up in Congress without that night in Milwaukee? Probably not,” Kinzinger reflected.

Parallels with Politics

Kinzinger’s political career, spanning 2011 to 2023, was equally marked by courage under pressure. As one of two Republican representatives to support the January 6th committee, he faced significant backlash. “I don’t see myself as brave,” he said. “I just think too many people in politics are cowards.”

He draws a connection between the stabbing incident and his political choices. “Both moments required stepping into danger for the greater good. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.”

Looking Ahead

Now a senior political commentator for CNN, Kinzinger is focused on combating political cynicism. “I’m determined to keep fighting for truth, even if it’s unpopular. Even for those who disagree with me — they deserve honesty.”

Kinzinger hopes his story will inspire others to act with integrity. “It’s about finding that spark to keep going, even when it feels impossible.”

Where to Watch

The Last Republican is currently playing at Film Forum in New York City, with additional screenings planned across the country. The documentary offers a raw and emotional journey through Kinzinger’s life, showcasing the moments that defined him.