In January 2021, supporters of former President Donald Trump attempted to breach a police barricade at the U.S. Capitol. Now, two police officers who defended the Capitol that day have filed a lawsuit to prevent payouts from a $1.776 billion settlement fund going to anyone, including the rioters involved in the incident.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court by the officers’ attorneys a day after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the fund’s creation during a congressional hearing. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney before joining the Justice Department, did not rule out the possibility of Jan. 6 rioters receiving payouts from the fund.
The suit describes the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as an illegal tool that Trump could use to support “insurrectionists and paramilitary groups.” It labels the fund’s creation as “the most brazen act of presidential corruption this century” and calls for its dissolution, arguing no law authorizes its creation.
This fund originates from a settlement following Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS related to leaked tax returns. It aims to compensate individuals who feel mistreated by previous Justice Department actions. A five-member commission appointed by the attorney general will decide on payouts.
Over 100 police officers sustained injuries during the Capitol riot. Nearly 1,600 individuals faced charges for crimes related to Jan. 6, but Trump later used his pardon powers to clear those cases.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Daniel Hodges, a Metropolitan Police Department officer, and Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer running for Congress in Maryland. Both officers testified before Congress about the difficult events of that day. Hodges endured a violent attack where a rioter attempted to remove his mask as he defended a tunnel entrance.
The officers assert that the fund “encourages those who enacted violence in the President’s name to continue.” They claim the fund increases the danger they already face due to ongoing threats.
The commission responsible for distributing the fund has not yet been formed, but Blanche stated that factors such as a claimant’s actions will be considered when decisions are made. Blanche commented in an interview that while harming law enforcement is appalling, those who do often receive compensation after suing the government. He dismissed criticisms of the fund as “fake outrage.”
Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are named as defendants in the lawsuit. The Justice and Treasury departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Brendan Ballou, one of the officers’ attorneys and a former Justice Department prosecutor, has handled Jan. 6 cases in the past.