Two police officers who were deployed at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6 have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. Their aim is to prevent the Department of Justice from implementing a new fund labeled as the “anti-weaponization fund.” This fund is reportedly poised to assist groups such as the Proud Boys.
The officers, Harry Dunn from the U.S. Capitol Police and Daniel Hodges from the Metropolitan Police Department, faced off against rioters during the protest of the 2020 election results. Their lawsuit targets President Donald Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. They argue that the $1.776 billion fund poses a threat to their safety. According to the complaint, the fund essentially rewards violence enacted in Trump’s name.
Officer Dunn and Hodges are seeking judicial intervention to stop the fund and reverse any payments disbursed by the Treasury Department. A Department of Justice spokesperson commented to Newsweek, criticizing previous administrations for retaliating against political opponents and expressing the department’s commitment to correcting these injustices.
The lawsuit asserts that the fund is illegal, unconstitutional, and hazardous. Acting Attorney General Blanche indicated that the fund aims to support those claiming they faced unjust prosecution by the Biden administration’s Justice Department. Dunn and Hodges warn that it would essentially finance groups that have previously threatened law enforcement officers, including the Proud Boys.
The Anti-Weaponization Fund will both compensate and empower the very people making those threats. Militias like the Proud Boys will use money from the Fund to arm and equip themselves.
The complaint notes that the fund legitimizes past acts of violence and may encourage future threats. It claims the fund compensates nearly 1,600 individuals linked to January 6 events and allies of President Trump. Additionally, the suit questions the fund’s creation, arguing the oversight commission violates statutory requirements, making it vulnerable to misuse.
Understanding the Anti-Weaponization Fund
The Justice Department’s fund provides a formal route for claims of improper targeting by the federal government during the Biden administration. It offers both apologies and financial compensation, with operational guidelines for several years. The fund’s administration involves appointees by the attorney general, includes periodic reports, and potential audits.
Recently, Blanche defended the fund in a Senate hearing focused on the Trump administration’s DOJ budget request. Discussions heated as topics ranged from the fund to the DOJ’s handling of Epstein files. Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned whether January 6 rioters who assaulted officers would qualify for support. Blanche refrained from detailing exclusion criteria.
As was made plainly yesterday, anybody in this country is eligible to apply if they believe they are a victim of weaponization.
The officers hope the court to deem the fund unlawful and recover funds allocated to it.