Another time violence came to the U.S. Senate
On the first anniversary of the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol, let’s take a look at another time violence came to the floor of the…
On the first anniversary of the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol, let’s take a look at another time violence came to the floor of the U.S. Senate.
It happened on May 22nd, 1856, when Rep. Preston Brooks assaulted anti-slavery Republican Sen. Charles Sumner inside the Senate chamber following comments that Sumner made about a relative of Brooks, Sen. Andrew Butler.
During a speech on the Senate floor, Sumner likened Butler’s support of slavery to Butler having a mistress “who, though ugly to others, is always lovely to him.”
After the Senate adjourned for the day, Brooks entered the chamber with a cane and beat Sumner over the head.