Known as the “Bullhorn Lady,” Rachel Powell was one of the rioters from January 6, 2021, who was captured on camera pushing against a police line, damaging a Capitol building window with an ice axe and a large cardboard tube, and giving orders to other rioters to take over the building in order to preserve former President Donald Trump’s position. Powell was found guilty on nine federal crimes and was given a sentence of four years and nine months in prison on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
Who Is Rachel Powell AKA ‘Bullhorn Lady’?
Rachel Powell, a 43-year-old American woman, hails from Mercer County in Pennsylvania. She reportedly has eight children under her belt and six grandchildren. She was given a term of four years, nine months in jail as she is said to have broken a window during the Capitol building attack on January 6 and she also gave orders to protesters.
According to CBS station WUSA, Powell was given a sentence of 57 months in jail and 36 months of supervised release during Tuesday, October 17, 2023, court proceedings. She requested three years of probation; the government requested eight years in jail. She faced nine federal offences at her hearing, including conducting violence on Capitol grounds, entering and remaining in a restricted place with a deadly weapon, destroying government property, and obstructing an official proceeding.In addition, the judge ordered Powell to pay $2700 in restitution and a fine of $5000 for the harm she caused.
Rachel Powell – ‘Bullhorn Lady’ Court Hearing
Powell admitted to the crime and apologised for her actions at the hearing on Tuesday. Although Powell was given a sentence of 57 months in federal prison, federal prosecutors had requested that she serve eight years. She was put on house arrest for breaking the terms of her release prior to trial and was found guilty in July after a bench trial.
Based to CBS, she damaged property worth more than $1000. Prior to receiving a 57-month federal prison sentence on Tuesday, which will be followed by 36 months of supervised release, the defendant reportedly received a personalised hat from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rachel Powell – ‘Bullhorn Lady’ Sentence Reaction
Powell expressed her regret, shame, and resolve to never repeat her crimes during the sentencing hearing, all while appearing distraught. Before participating in the Capitol disturbance on January 6, she also told the court that she had an unhealthy “obsession with keeping the former President in power and even conducted surveillance at a female legislator’s home” following Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.
After the riot, she informed reporters that no one was allowed to enter and that gaining entry was difficult and involved conflict. She also stated that law enforcement officials were forced to retreat into the building and engage in defensive action due to the unyielding behavior of the rioters.
However, during her trial, she changed her story and accused law enforcement officials of mistreating her. According to the indictment, Powell allegedly entered a restricted area of the US Capitol while carrying a large wooden pole and an axe. It is alleged that she broke a window in her path, causing damages over $1,000.
