California Woman Charged with Bringing Sword, Whip to Capitol Riot

A California woman faces charges for bringing a cache of weapons, including a sword and a steel whip, into the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack by Donald Trump supporters. Court records unsealed on Wednesday reveal these details. Kennedy Lindsey had a short sword, a steel tactical whip, a collapsible baton, pepper spray, a butterfly knife, and a flashlight taser in her possession when a US Secret Service officer searched her backpack, according to an FBI affidavit.

Lindsey was arrested in Los Angeles last month on charges including disorderly conduct and possession of a dangerous weapon in a Capitol building. More than 1,400 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. Rioters were armed with various weapons on January 6, including firearms, knives, and stun guns. Many others used items like flagpoles and broken pieces of office furniture as makeshift weapons during the siege.

Weapons Cache

Lindsey was charged alongside another woman who flew with her from California to Washington, DC. Lindsey bought plane tickets for both after then-President Donald Trump announced that there would be a "wild" protest on January 6. Lindsey posted on social media that she was going because "boss man called for us to be there."

After attending Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House, the two women rode to the Capitol on the back of a golf cart. "Everyone is storming the building, folks," Lindsey said in a self-recorded video, according to the affidavit. "We must do this as patriots. It says so in the Constitution."

Entry into Capitol

Lindsey wore a red "Make America Great Again" hat and a tactical vest as she entered the Capitol through a broken window, the FBI said. The Secret Service officer who approached Lindsey had seen the sword strapped to her leg, according to the affidavit.

Lindsey later told the FBI that she had retrieved the backpack from her hotel room after attending Trump's speech. She described her confiscated weapons as "tools" and acknowledged that they were in her backpack when she entered the Capitol, the affidavit says.

Lindsey was released from custody after her July 28 arrest. She didn't immediately respond to a text message seeking comment. An attorney who represented Lindsey at her initial court appearance didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The incident highlights the array of weapons rioters brought to the Capitol on January 6. This included firearms, knives, stun guns, flagpoles, and broken office furniture used as makeshift weapons during the siege.

The charges against Lindsey add to over 1,400 people charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. The FBI continues its investigation into those involved in the attack.

The court records provide detailed accounts of Lindsey's actions and possessions during the riot. These documents are part of ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who participated in the attack on democracy.

The case against Lindsey underscores the serious nature of charges faced by individuals involved in the Capitol riot. The legal proceedings will continue as authorities seek justice for actions taken on January 6.

The unsealed court records offer insight into how some rioters prepared for violence at the Capitol. The detailed descriptions of weapons found in Lindsey's possession highlight concerns about security breaches during such events.

This case remains part of broader efforts by law enforcement to address and prevent similar incidents in future political protests or gatherings.