Rep. Joaquin Castro: Charge NFL’s Ray Rice with assault

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice should be arrested and charged with assault, Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) said Monday.

The congressman made the comment on Twitter, and linked to an article about a new video that surfaced that shows Rice hitting his then-fiancée in an Atlantic City hotel elevator earlier this year.

Should be arrested and charged. "@ABC: New video shows moment NFL payer Ray Rice punched his fiancee in an elevator: http://t.co/On4STBWNIE"

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) September 8, 2014

Rice was already arrested in February after the incident. Prosecutors reportedly offered the football player a deal that would spare him jail-time if he completes a domestic violence intervention program.

A Buzzfeed reporter informed Castro on Twitter that Rice, in fact, was arrested and charged. The congressman then asked whether prosecutors had seen the video when the parties struck the plea deal and the reporter said authorities are declining to comment. The reporter pointed out what officials said after the incident.

I see, thanks. "@BuzzFeedAndrew: @JoaquinCastrotx @ABC but here's what they said after the incident. pic.twitter.com/zBN4mgWuvY"

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) September 8, 2014

Castro then questioned whether the new video could lead to additional charges.

The least that should happen is the NFL making good on their new policy. Prosecutors should also see if new evidence can lead to new charges

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) September 8, 2014

The NFL decided to suspend Rice for two games, but Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Monday said the penalty should be increased.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed NFL team owners in late August that the league was toughening penalties for players who commit acts of domestic violence.