Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the attack by supporters of President Donald Trump have filed a lawsuit to stop payouts from a $1.776 billion settlement fund. The fund is intended for individuals claiming to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions. The officers aim to prevent such funds from reaching Jan. 6, 2021, rioters.
The lawsuit was filed following acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony defending the fund’s creation during a congressional hearing. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, did not exclude the possibility that those involved in the Capitol riot could access the fund.
The lawsuit claims the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” serves as an illegal resource, allowing Trump to finance groups committing violence in his name. It notes that the fund’s formation lacks statutory backing and presents constitutional and legal violations.
This fund originated from a settlement involving Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS concerning his leaked tax returns. The commission to determine payouts includes five members appointed by the attorney general.
During the Capitol riot, over 100 officers were injured, and nearly 1,600 individuals faced charges related to the event. President Trump granted clemency, pardoning those involved in the violence last year.
The plaintiffs include Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer now running for a congressional seat in Maryland. Both officers have testified about their experiences on Jan. 6. Hodges was pinned against a door, and his mask was ripped off by a rioter in a significant altercation.
The lawsuit argues that the fund encourages continued violence in the President’s name, citing increased threats faced by Dunn and Hodges. The commission, to be appointed by Blanche, will evaluate claimants’ actions when deciding on funding allocations. Blanche, in a CNN interview, indicated decisions on payments rest with the commission.
Blanche acknowledged the wrongdoing of harming law enforcement yet noted that individuals hurting police often succeed in suing the government. He criticized the fund’s backlash as exaggerated.
The lawsuit lists Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as defendants. Departments of Justice and Treasury did not comment immediately on the filing.
Brendan Ballou, a former prosecutor in Jan. 6 cases, represents the officers. This corrected report clarifies the exact number charged with Jan. 6-related offenses.
Leave a Reply