Two police officers who were involved in defending the U.S. Capitol during the attack by supporters of former President Donald Trump are taking legal action. They aim to prevent any payouts from a newly established $1.776 billion fund intended for those claiming victimhood from politically driven prosecutions, including the rioters of January 6, 2021.
The officers, Daniel Hodges from the Metropolitan Police Department and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, submitted the federal lawsuit following a congressional hearing where acting Attorney General Todd Blanche discussed the fund. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer before his Justice Department role, didn’t exclude the potential of compensation for those who assaulted police on January 6.
The lawsuit argues the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is an illegal financial resource Trump could exploit to support insurrectionists and violent groups. It labels the fund as a significant act of presidential corruption and seeks its dissolution. According to the lawsuit, the creation of the fund lacks statutory backing and violates the Constitution and federal law.
The fund originates from a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which was related to leaked tax returns. It aims to reimburse those who allege mistreatment under previous Justice Department administrations. A commission, consisting of five members appointed by the attorney general, will decide on payout eligibility.
Video evidence captured incidents during the Capitol riot where Hodges was assaulted, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by police. More than 100 officers sustained injuries that day, and nearly 1,600 individuals have been charged with crimes connected to the event. Trump, utilizing his presidential pardon powers, notably cleared these charges the previous year.
Hodges and Dunn, both of whom testified about their experiences during the assault, assert that the fund could enable continued violence perpetrated in the former president’s name, significantly increasing threats against them.
The lawsuit names acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as defendants. Brendan Ballou, an attorney for the officers, is a former Justice Department prosecutor experienced with January 6 cases.
Blanche remarked in a CNN interview about the commission’s process for deciding payouts, emphasizing consideration of claimants’ actions, but reiterated discretion lies with the commissioners. He criticized the response to the fund as insincere outrage, despite acknowledging harm to law enforcement isn’t unprecedented in compensation cases against the government.