Washington ? U.S. Capitol Police are seeking an arrest warrant for Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga. A spokesman for U.S. Atty. Kenneth L. Wainstein said he was reviewing the merits of the case.

McKinney scuffled with an officer last week after entering the House office building without her identifying lapel pin. Several police sources say she was repeatedly asked to stop, but kept going, and that when the officer placed his hand on her, she hit him.

Principal assistant U.S. Atty. Channing Phillips said his office was working with Capitol Police “to fully understand and appreciate the incident.” He declined to say when an arrest warrant might be issued or the recommended charge against McKinney.

In a statement, Capitol Police said it “has referred its investigative findings to the U.S. attorney.” Filing such an affidavit is the first step in obtaining an arrest warrant. Only if Wainstein approves the affidavit can Capitol Police officials ask a judge to issue the arrest warrant.

Members of Congress wear identifying lapel pins and routinely are waved into buildings without undergoing security checks. McKinney was not wearing her pin at the time, and the officer apparently did not recognize her, she has said.

“Congresswoman McKinney, in a hurry, was essentially chased and grabbed by the officer,” said her lawyer James Myart Jr. “She reacted instinctively in an effort to defend herself.”

McKinney has issued a statement of regret for the incident but no apology.