The U.S. Justice Department has recommended a 20-year prison sentence for a Pennsylvania man involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Ryan Samsel, a barber from Pennsylvania, was convicted in February 2024 of several charges, including assaulting federal officers, engaging in physical violence at the Capitol, and obstructing an official proceeding. The Justice Department (DOJ) has proposed a sentence of 240 months in prison, along with three years of supervised release, $2,000 in restitution, and a fine.
In its memorandum, the DOJ emphasized the serious nature of Samsel’s actions and stressed that such a long sentence was necessary to prevent further violence. The DOJ pointed out Samsel’s continued lack of remorse for his role in the riot and his persistent spreading of false narratives.
The department also cited Samsel’s violent criminal history and his apparent desire to assault the Capitol again. The DOJ’s recommendation makes it clear that Samsel’s actions on January 6 were considered especially dangerous, not just because of the violence but also because of his ongoing support for such acts.
Samsel was one of the first rioters to breach the restricted perimeter of the Capitol during the chaotic attack. He joined other supporters of then-President-elect Donald Trump in a failed attempt to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory. According to court documents, Samsel verbally abused officers, physically struggled with metal barricades, and assaulted an officer by lifting and striking him in the face with a barricade.
As the situation escalated, law enforcement officers found themselves overwhelmed, with thousands of rioters pouring onto the Capitol’s West Front. For the next hour and a half, Samsel continued to terrorize the police, attacking them with a variety of objects. He used a flagpole to strike officers, grabbed one officer’s shield, and caused further damage to the Capitol scaffolding. Samsel also threw a 2×4 plank and a metal pole at different police lines, adding to the chaos.
Despite the violence, Samsel showed no remorse for his actions. In fact, he took a selfie video during the riot, smiling and proudly announcing that he had breached the Capitol. This display of pride in his actions stood in stark contrast to the traumatic experience endured by the officers on the ground. Even years later, Samsel was unrepentant.
During an interview, he justified his actions, claiming that “sometimes civil disorder is needed.” This further highlighted his belief that his violent actions were justified, making it clear that he did not understand the gravity of his actions.
The DOJ’s memorandum also noted that Samsel’s continued spreading of false narratives and his lack of remorse made it clear that a significant sentence was necessary to deter future attacks. The department’s recommendation reflects the seriousness with which the U.S. government is treating those who participated in the Capitol riot and aims to send a message that such violence will not be tolerated.
The case of Ryan Samsel underscores the ongoing impact of the January 6 attack on both the Capitol and the nation as a whole. While Samsel’s actions were extreme, they are part of a larger pattern of behavior among some rioters who sought to undermine the democratic process by violently attacking law enforcement and trying to disrupt the certification of the election results. For the DOJ, the recommended sentence represents both justice for the victims of the attack and a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in similar acts of violence.
The proposed 20-year sentence for Samsel is in line with the Justice Department’s broader approach to punishing those responsible for the Capitol riot. The DOJ has consistently argued that those who engaged in violent acts, especially those who assaulted officers and disrupted government proceedings, should face significant penalties. In addition to the criminal charges, the Department of Justice has also been seeking restitution for the damage caused to the Capitol during the riot, further underscoring the seriousness of the event.
Samsel’s case is just one among many related to the Capitol riot, as individuals who participated in the attack continue to face charges and court proceedings. Some have already received prison sentences, while others are still awaiting trial. The lengthy sentences sought by the DOJ, including the 20-year recommendation for Samsel, reflect the government’s determination to hold all those responsible for the attack accountable for their actions.
In addition to Samsel’s actions on January 6, the DOJ also pointed to his past criminal history as an aggravating factor in his case. Samsel has a record of violent behavior, which further supports the need for a harsh sentence. His lack of remorse and his pride in his actions only emphasize the seriousness of the situation, as individuals who engage in such violence should not be allowed to go unpunished.
This case is a reminder of the lasting consequences of the January 6 attack and the determination of the U.S. government to ensure that those who took part in the violence are held accountable. As the legal process continues for others involved in the Capitol riot, Samsel’s recommended sentence serves as a powerful example of the government’s commitment to seeking justice and deterring similar acts of violence in the future.
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