Capitol Police Officer Describes Jan. 6 Attack as 'War Scene' in Harrowing Testimony
Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards provided harrowing testimony during the first public hearing of the House Jan. 6 committee, describing the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol as a “war scene” and “carnage.” Edwards, who was on duty during the insurrection, recounted the chaos she witnessed as rioters overwhelmed law enforcement, leaving officers injured and bloodied. She described slipping in people’s blood and seeing friends with blood on their faces, emphasizing that the violence was beyond anything she had been trained to handle.
Edwards, a four-year veteran of the Capitol Police, was among the first officers injured during the attack. She suffered a traumatic brain injury after being knocked unconscious when rioters forced a bike rack into her, causing her to fall and hit her head. Despite her injuries, she continued to patrol the Capitol, working to prevent further breaches by the mob. Edwards also testified about her efforts to contain members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, as they advanced toward the Capitol.
Her testimony highlighted the physical and emotional toll the attack took on law enforcement. Edwards recalled the moment she saw fellow officer Brian Sicknick, who later died from injuries sustained during the riot, turn “ghostly pale” after being sprayed with a chemical agent. She expressed feelings of survivor’s guilt, questioning why she couldn’t help her fellow officers more effectively.
The Jan. 6 committee hearings aimed to shed light on the events of that day, with Edwards’ testimony serving as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the officers who defended the Capitol. The committee also presented new footage and evidence to document the violence and the role of former President Donald Trump in inciting the mob. Edwards’ account underscored the unprecedented nature of the attack and the lasting impact it has had on those who were there.
Who is Caroline Edwards and why did she testify in the Jan. 6 hearings?
Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards is one of two witnesses who was called to testify June 9 at the first public hearing of the Jan. 6 Committee.
www.pbs.org
Trump’s Betrayal of Jan. 6’s True Hero Is Shame for the Ages
Officer Brian Sicknick’s death after Jan. 6 was tragedy heaped on calumny. Now Trump has defiled his memory by freeing his attacker.
www.thedailybeast.com
1st person to breach U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 released from custody in NYC
The first person to breach the U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, 2021 walked out of federal custody Tuesday morning in Brooklyn.
www.cbsnews.com
DOJ proposes 20-year sentence for convicted January 6 riot leader
Government says a tough sentence that will serve as a deterrent is needed because Ryan Samsel was the first rioter to breach the restricted perimeter.
www.newsweek.com
WATCH: 'It was carnage. It was chaos,' Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards says of Jan. 6 attack
Edwards said in her opening statement June 9 before the House Jan. 6 committee that on the day of the attack and in the days that followed, she was ca
www.pbs.org
Trump fan gets eight years for assaulting officers during Jan. 6 Capitol breach
Stephen Chase Randolph's actions knocked out a Capitol police officer. He was identified by a facial recognition hit on his girlfriend's Instagram pag
www.nbcnews.com
Michael Edwards’ Daughter Responds to Lisa Marie Presley’s Claims
Michael Edwards’ daughter, Caroline Van Zandt, responded to shocking molestation claims made about her father in Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir; see what
www.usmagazine.com
Edwards joins Viamark Carolinas | WilmingtonBiz
Wilmington-based Viamark Carolinas is growing the agency’s creative department with the addition of Caroline Edwards as its new design and marketing a
www.wilmingtonbiz.com
Capitol officer recounts Jan. 6 'war scene' in her testimony
The first public hearing by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection included raw testimony from Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwa
apnews.com