Police Officers Sue to Block Payouts to Jan. 6 Rioters from Settlement Fund

Two police officers involved in protecting the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 attack have initiated a lawsuit. They aim to prevent individuals, including those involved in the riot, from receiving money from a new $1.776 billion fund. This fund, meant for those alleging unfair treatment in politically charged prosecutions, has sparked controversy.

The officers’ legal action follows Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s defense of the fund at a congressional hearing. Blanche, previously a personal attorney for Donald Trump, did not rule out that Capitol rioters might qualify for payouts.

The lawsuit labels the ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ as an illicit resource designed to support those who engage in violence related to Trump. It claims the fund’s establishment as a major act of presidential corruption. The suit insists the fund’s foundation lacks statutory backing, deeming the settlement a corrupt sham, and argues it contravenes the Constitution and federal law.

This settlement originated from a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump against the IRS concerning leaked tax returns. It seeks to compensate those wronged by past Justice Department actions. A commission appointed by the attorney general will oversee payout decisions.

During the Capitol riot, more than 100 police officers suffered injuries. While nearly 1,600 individuals faced charges related to January 6, Trump pardoned them in a broad act of clemency last year.

Daniel Hodges from the Metropolitan Police Department and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who is pursuing a congressional seat in Maryland, are plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Both officers have testified about their experiences on January 6. Notably, Hodges was recorded in a distressing confrontation where a rioter removed his mask while pinned against a door.

The officers argue the fund potentially encourages further violence by those acting on the President’s behalf. They cite ongoing threats to their safety, claiming the fund exacerbates the danger they face.

“Dunn and Hodges already face credible threats of death and violence on a regular basis; the Fund substantially increases the danger,” the lawsuit states.

A commission, whose members Blanche will appoint, is responsible for payout determinations. Blanche mentioned in a CNN interview that the commission will consider multiple factors before distributing funds. Despite condemning violence against law enforcement as “abhorrent,” Blanche noted that individuals harming police sometimes receive government compensation through lawsuits, dismissing criticism as “fake outrage.”

Named defendants in the lawsuit include Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Justice and Treasury departments have not provided immediate responses to inquiries about the lawsuit.

Among the officers’ attorneys is Brendan Ballou, a former Justice Department prosecutor involved with January 6 cases.

Associated Press journalist Jonathan Cooper in Phoenix contributed additional reporting to this story.