A Pennsylvania man who spent years behind bars for his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach has filed a nearly $18 million federal lawsuit alleging systematic torture and abuse while in government custody.
Ryan Samsel, 39, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was among the hundreds of defendants prosecuted in connection with the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. After being convicted in September 2024 on civil disorder charges, Samsel remained incarcerated awaiting sentencing until President Donald Trump granted him a pardon on January 20, 2025.
Now free, Samsel has turned his attention to what his legal team describes as an unprecedented pattern of mistreatment during his time in federal custody. His attorney characterized him as “the most tortured individual by the Federal Government in recent American history” in court filings.
The substantial damages sought in the lawsuit reflect the severity of the alleged abuses Samsel claims to have endured throughout his incarceration. The case highlights ongoing concerns about conditions faced by January 6 defendants during their time in the federal prison system.
Samsel’s legal action comes at a time when numerous January 6 cases have been thrust back into the spotlight following Trump’s return to office and his decision to issue blanket pardons for those convicted in connection with the Capitol breach.
The lawsuit represents one of the most significant financial claims to emerge from allegations of mistreatment of January 6 defendants while in federal custody. Legal experts note that proving such claims against the federal government can be challenging, given the strict standards required for civil rights violations in institutional settings.
Federal authorities have not yet responded publicly to the specific allegations outlined in Samsel’s complaint. The case is expected to draw considerable attention as it moves through the court system, potentially shedding light on conditions experienced by January 6 defendants during their incarceration.
The timing of the lawsuit, filed shortly after Samsel’s release through presidential pardon, underscores the complex legal and political dynamics surrounding the aftermath of January 6 prosecutions and their ongoing impact on the federal justice system.
