6 Context Clues About the Fake Political Assault

1. Who is Natalie Greene?

Natalie Greene, a 26-year-old former aide to Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements. She was taken into custody after allegedly staging a violent political attack on herself at a New Jersey nature preserve. She made her initial court appearance on Wednesday. 

2. What charges does she face?

Greene has been charged with one count of conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes and one count of making false statements to federal law enforcement in connection with staging a fake political attack. Each federal charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, meaning she could face up to ten years total if convicted on both counts. The charges reflect the seriousness with which federal authorities treat fabricated attacks, especially those designed to create false narratives about political violence.

3. What details did she fabricate about the attack?

On July 23, a female  co-conspirator called 911 claiming three men attacked them on a trail while "talking about politics." When police arrived, they found Greene bound with zip ties, screaming that one attacker had a gun. She displayed graphic messages written on her body, including "TRUMP WHORE" on her stomach and accusations of racism against Van Drew on her back. 

4. How did investigators prove it was a hoax?

Suspicion arose when investigators found zip ties in Greene’s own car that resembled the ones used to restrain her. An investigation revealed that Greene had paid an artist specializing in scarification to use a scalpel to lacerate parts of her body in a pattern she directed ahead of the incident. Additionally, investigators discovered that two days before the attack, the phone of Greene's alleged co-conspirator had been used to search for "zip ties near me." These discoveries undermined Greene's claims that three unknown attackers had assaulted her.

5. What is scarification?

Scarification is a body modification practice where designs or patterns are intentionally cut into the skin to create permanent scars. In this case, Greene allegedly hired a professional scarification artist to use a scalpel to create cuts on her body in a specific pattern she had planned in advance. This revelation was crucial evidence that the injuries were not inflicted by random attackers but were deliberately self-inflicted as part of an elaborate hoax. The use of a professional artist shows the premeditated nature of the staged attack.

6. What was the Congressman’s reaction? 

Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s office released a statement expressing deep sadness regarding the news. A spokesperson clarified that Greene is no longer associated with the Congressman’s government office. The statement avoided political commentary, instead noting that "our thoughts and prayers are with her" and hoping she gets the care she needs.

This case highlights a disturbing instance of manufactured political violence designed to mimic a hate crime. The use of professional scarification and staged evidence points to a highly premeditated effort to manipulate public sympathy. It underscores the difficulty law enforcement faces in distinguishing genuine political threats from fabricated provocations.