Siblings accused of attacking New York Times photographer at Capitol riot

Two siblings were taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly attacking a New York Times photographer within the U.S. Capitol during the violent mob siege over three years ago. David Walker, 49, from Delran, New Jersey, and Philip Walker, 52, from Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania, also face accusations of stealing the photographer’s camera during the January 6, 2021, uprising. In a sworn statement by an FBI agent, Philip Walker claimed he disposed of the camera in a body of water on his way back from Washington, D.C.
The photographer involved was not explicitly named in court documents, but New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha verified that staff photographer Erin Schaff was referenced in the affidavit. Schaff detailed her ordeal at the Capitol in which she was physically attacked by the Walker brothers. Rhodes Ha commended the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the FBI for pursuing justice in the case, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalism in a democracy.
Recounting the events, Schaff mentioned that she was surrounded by a group of men who demanded to know her employer, reacted aggressively upon seeing she worked for The New York Times, and proceeded to assault her. Despite shouting for help, no one intervened, leading her to fear for her life. Law enforcement initially mistook her for not being a journalist due to the stolen press pass, resulting in her being confronted with guns drawn before other photojournalists vouched for her identity.
Philip Walker was seen carrying what seemed to be Schaff’s photographic gear while fleeing the scene, with David Walker reportedly pushing the photographer again as she tried to chase after his brother and retrieve her equipment. David Walker was granted release on $50,000 bail by a magistrate judge following his initial court appearance in New Jersey. The siblings are facing charges including robbery, assault, and additional offenses.
The Walkers’ arrests are part of a broader legal crackdown on individuals involved in the Capitol riot, with close to 1,500 individuals facing federal charges related to the incident. The violence also resulted in approximately 140 law enforcement officers sustaining injuries during the attack.