Officers Sue to Block Payouts from Settlement Fund
Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the attack on January 6, 2021, have taken legal action to prevent payouts from a newly established $1.776 billion settlement fund. This fund is intended for those who claim to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions.
The officers filed a federal lawsuit shortly after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche discussed the fund’s creation during a congressional hearing. He did not rule out the possibility of January 6 rioters receiving payouts. The lawsuit claims the ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ is unlawful and accuses former President Donald Trump of using it to support insurrectionists.
The suit describes the fund’s creation as ‘the most brazen act of presidential corruption this century’ and seeks its dissolution. It argues no legal statute supports its creation, alleging the settlement is a corrupt scheme violating the Constitution and federal laws.
The fund originates from a settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, intended to compensate individuals alleging mistreatment by previous Justice Department administrations. A five-member commission, appointed by the attorney general, will decide on payouts.
During the Capitol riot, more than 100 officers were injured, and nearly 1,600 individuals faced charges. Trump later pardoned all those cases in a broad act of clemency. The officers suing over the fund include Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn. Dunn is currently running for Congress in Maryland.
Both officers have previously shared their experiences from January 6 with Congress. The lawsuit asserts the fund’s existence encourages further violence in Trump’s name, increasing credible threats they already face.
A commission will determine fund payouts, considering the actions of claimants, among other factors. Blanche emphasized in an interview that decisions on granting funds lie with the commission. Although he condemned harm against law enforcement as ‘abhorrent,’ he noted that individuals harming police sometimes receive government payouts through lawsuits, calling reaction to the fund ‘fake outrage.’
The lawsuit names Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as defendants. The Justice and Treasury departments have not commented on the suit. Representing the officers is Brendan Ballou, a former Justice Department prosecutor involved in January 6 cases.