By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A Washington police officer suffered a brain injury from rioters last year during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. He described the scene of chaos and violence – with fellow officers on the ground in Thursday’s testimony before the congressional committee investigating the assault.

Caroline Edwards from the U.S. Capitol Police was one of only two witnesses to the House of Representatives Select Committee hearing on the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. She shared her story of how she was hurt, and the things she discovered when she reached safety at the Washington Metropolitan Police Line.

“What I saw was a war scene. This was exactly what I saw in movies. My eyes were astonished. They had officers standing on the ground. The officers were there to help them. They started throwing up. … She said that I was getting in other people’s blood.”

A video of Edwards being injured as she tried to stop the mob of supporters of President Donald Trump with the help of two metal bike racks was shown by the committee.

“I felt the bike rack touch my head, and was pulled backwards. My foot caught the stairs behind me. My chin touched the rail and I was blacked out. … My head hit the concrete steps behind me.

Edwards stated that she was able to return to work after gaining consciousness.

One officer died shortly after being injured. Later, four officers committed suicide.

Edwards said that it was a proud moment to don a uniform for her country and have served. On that same day, Edwards was called a villain by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Edwards stated, “They dared question my honour.” “They dare to doubt my loyalty, and they dare question my duty,” Edwards stated.