Star Peterson, who sustained grievous injuries in the attack, was the first to speak, talking directly to Fields against the court’s wishes.

“Hello scum,” Peterson began her statement, before going on to describe Fields as a “terrible waste of flesh” and “human feces.” Though her statement did not last long before she was stopped by court officials, Peterson later said she stood by what she said.

April Muñiz, who was present during the attack but did not sustain physical injuries, said her mental health suffered greatly as a result.

Unable to perform the job she had beforehand, she was laid off and spent months in a deep depression, she said. It wasn’t until Fields’ trial last year that Muñiz said she was able to find a community of support among the other victims and survivors.

William Burke, who traveled from Ohio to counter-protest at the rally, suffered a head injury in the attack. Problems caused by his physical and emotional injuries have pervaded his life, he said, and contributed to the end of his marriage. He said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and forgetfulness and has had trouble feeling joy.

“Just yesterday, my daughter looked at me and asked why I don’t smile anymore,” he said. “What do you say to that?”