As highlighted by NBC News and journalist Ryan J. Reilly, Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards testified in court this week in a bench trial (meaning trial decided by a judge) of a small group of participants in the Capitol attacks on January 6, 2021, including at least one individual, Ryan Samsel, with which Edwards had contact that day.
Her testimony was among just the latest in courtroom appearances by officers who participated in the Capitol’s defense. She spoke on the stand about the serious injuries she faced, outlining in sharp relief how the violence at the Capitol complex spurred along by lies and conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election left many individuals with serious, real-world consequences. And House Republicans just made Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), who helped lead the charge of opposing the certification of the 2020 election’s results, the Speaker of the House.
Edwards explained on the stand that she was seriously injured when her head made forceful contact with what NBC said was a metal handrail. She briefly lost consciousness that day.
She also explained that Samsel, as the violence unfolded, seemed potentially intent on convincing her that he was actually, at least in some manner, on her side. “Samsel kept telling her that he was the one who helped pick her up off the ground after her fall,” NBC explained, summarizing Edwards’ remarks in court. (It’s unclear if that’s true.) Edwards was later that day taken by ambulance for medical care in Maryland as she continued to struggle with basic functioning following the impacts she faced from the onslaught of rioters.
“I have almost no sick leave left,” Edwards said. “I’ve used all my leave dealing with my migraines.” And remember, it’s been almost three years. Like other police officers both known and less so, these effects have been lasting. Aquilino Gonell, who left a long stint of service on the same police force after he was seriously injured that day, recently expressed shock in an interview that House Republicans were even considering making the Speaker somebody who had a close role in trying to undercut the 2020 election’s results, which directly spurred the January 6 violence. Read more on Edwards’ testimony from NBC at this link.
