As [US Senator Charles] Sumner began to stand up, [US Congressman Preston] Brooks beat Sumner severely on the head before he could reach his feet, using a thick gutta-percha cane with a gold head. Sumner was knocked down and trapped under the heavy desk (which was bolted to the floor), but Brooks continued to strike Sumner until Sumner ripped the desk from the floor. By this time, Sumner was blinded by his own blood, and he staggered up the aisle and collapsed, lapsing into unconsciousness. Brooks continued to beat the motionless Sumner until his cane broke at which point he left the chamber. Several other Senators attempted to help Sumner, but were blocked by [South Carolina Representative Laurence] Keitt who brandished a pistol and shouted, "Let them be!"
Sumner suffered head trauma that caused him chronic pain and symptoms consistent with what is now called traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, and spent three years convalescing before returning to his Senate seat. He suffered chronic pain and debilitation for the rest of his life.
[Brooks] was convicted of assault and was fined $300 ($7,870 in today's dollars), but received no prison sentence. A motion to expel Brooks from the House of Representatives failed.
