Jan. 6 Defendant Sues Federal Government for $18 Million Over Alleged Abuses in Custody

Ryan Samsel is suing after becoming what his lawyer described as ‘the most tortured individual by the Federal Government in recent American history.’

Police try to hold back protesters on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

A former Jan. 6 defendant who alleges he was repeatedly abused in custody is suing the federal government for almost $18 million.

Ryan Samsel of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was convicted in September 2024 of civil disorder-related offenses in connection with the civil disturbance at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and was incarcerated and awaiting sentencing when President Donald Trump pardoned him on Jan. 20 of this year.