On May 22, 1856, Congressman Preston Brooks, a Democrat representing South Carolina, made his way onto the Senate floor and savagely beat Senator Charles Sumner, a Republican representing Massachusetts, within an inch of his life.
Brooks assaulted Sumner with a gold-tipped cane, hitting him with such force that the cane snapped, though that didn't stop Brooks from continuing to slash at Sumner with unsparing viciousness. Sumner's injuries were so severe they required a three year leave, and caused him permanent brain damage. Brooks did this in response to a speech Sumner gave in which he mocked and denounced Brooks' cousin for his pro-slavery views.
Of course, Brooks would be expelled from Congress and even imprisoned, right?
Read Full Article »