In one of the more unusual moments from the January 6th Capitol riot investigations, a U.S. Border Patrol officer delivered startling testimony about being struck by a sandwich with a distinctive onion and mustard aroma during the chaotic events at the Capitol.
Agent Robert "Bobby" Sampsell took the stand in Washington D.C., recounting the bizarre assault that occurred as he attempted to secure the area around the Capitol building. The seasoned border officer described how an unidentified protester threw what he characterized as a "sandwich or similar food item" that made direct contact with his person.
The Pungent Evidence
What made the incident particularly memorable for Agent Sampsell was the distinct odor that lingered after the impact. "It smelled of onions and mustard," he testified, describing the sensory evidence that remained with him following the assault.
The testimony came during proceedings related to the prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6th attacks. While many officers have described being assaulted with more conventional weapons like flagpoles, chemical sprays, and fists, the sandwich assault represents one of the more peculiar methods of attack documented during the investigation.
Context of Chaos
Agent Sampsell was among the law enforcement personnel deployed to reinforce Capitol Police during the violent breach. His testimony helps paint a broader picture of the variety of threats officers faced that day, ranging from life-endangering violence to what might otherwise seem like trivial incidents, had they occurred in different circumstances.
The sandwich assault, while less physically dangerous than other attacks documented that day, nonetheless represents the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the mob violence that overwhelmed security forces.
This unusual testimony adds to the growing archive of evidence being presented in numerous cases stemming from the Capitol breach, as prosecutors continue to build their cases against hundreds of defendants charged in connection with the events of January 6th.
