The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended a 20-year prison sentence for Ryan Samsel, a member of the Proud Boys, who played a leading role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Samsel was the first rioter to breach the Capitol’s perimeter, and his actions contributed significantly to the violence that ensued that day. Prosecutors argue that a sentence of 240 months (20 years) is warranted due to the gravity of his actions, his ongoing lack of remorse, and his history of violent behavior.
Samsel’s involvement in the riot began when he breached the Capitol’s restricted perimeter, opening a section of fencing at the Peace Circle. This act allowed thousands of other rioters to follow him onto the Capitol grounds. After reaching a second barrier guarded by Capitol Police, Samsel verbally abused officers and, alongside co-defendant Stephen Randolph, forcibly pushed and pulled on the barricade. This led to a violent assault on police officers, including Officer Caroline Edwards, who was struck by a metal barricade, causing her to fall and suffer a concussion.
The DOJ memorandum highlighted Samsel’s violent conduct throughout the day. He was involved in lifting the metal barricade and using it as a weapon against officers, striking Officer Edwards in the face with such force that she was knocked backward and hit her head on a metal handrail and steps. Prosecutors emphasized that Samsel was one of the more violent rioters on January 6 and was directly involved in the first violent assault on officers defending the Capitol building.
Samsel was convicted of felony civil disorder, assaulting police with a dangerous weapon, and engaging in physical violence on Capitol grounds. He was acquitted of trespassing charges but was found guilty of additional counts related to his assault on law enforcement officers. Notably, he was ordered by Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs to breach the restricted Capitol perimeter, though Samsel has denied any direct communication with Biggs.
The DOJ memorandum also referenced Samsel’s behavior while incarcerated. Despite being detained since his arrest in 2021, Samsel has continued to express support for violence and promote false narratives about the events of January 6. He has sent letters, given interviews, and made phone calls, during which he made numerous statements advocating for violence. In a letter from jail in June 2022, he wrote, “Our country is dying due to lies, greed, power. All these poltions [sic] in office need to go. A woodchiper [sic] sounds good.” He also expressed pride in his actions on January 6, recording a selfie video during the riot in which he smiled and announced that he had breached the Capitol. Samsel later justified his actions, claiming that “sometimes civil disorder is needed.”
Samsel has also faced health issues while in detention, including blood clots and gynecomastia, a condition that causes overdevelopment of breast tissue in men. However, his continued public advocacy for violence and lack of remorse have led prosecutors to argue that he should face a lengthy sentence.
Samsel is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb on February 14, 2025. His case is one of many stemming from the January 6 Capitol riot, where numerous individuals have been convicted of various crimes related to the attack.
