Police Officers Sue to Block Payouts from Settlement Fund

Two police officers who were involved in defending the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack have initiated legal proceedings to prevent payouts from a new $1.776 billion fund. This fund, established for individuals claiming to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions, may potentially include those who rioted on January 6. The lawsuit was filed in a federal court shortly after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche supported the fund during a congressional hearing.

The legal action accuses the ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ of functioning as an illegal reservoir for financial support to insurrectionists and groups committing violence for President Donald Trump. It condemns the creation of the fund as a significant act of presidential corruption. The suit challenges its legality, stating that there is no legal basis for its establishment, that the fund’s underlying settlement is corrupt, and argues it breaches the Constitution and federal law.

This fund was developed following the settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS concerning the leak of his tax returns. It aims to compensate those claiming victimization by previous Justice Department administrations. An appointed five-member commission will decide on the payouts.

The lawsuit has been filed by Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who is pursuing a congressional seat in Maryland. Hodges and Dunn both provided testimonies to Congress about their experiences on January 6. Disturbing footage from the event shows Hodges being assaulted by a rioter while defending a tunnel entrance.

The officers argue that the fund could further incite violence by rewarding those acting violently in support of Trump. They claim to already face serious threats to their safety and believe the fund exacerbates these dangers.

A yet-to-be-formed commission, appointed by Blanche, will handle the distribution of funds. The process will consider an individual’s actions and other criteria. Despite criticism, Blanche argued that financial awards to those who harm police are not unprecedented and dismissed opposition as false outrage.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alongside Blanche, is named in the lawsuit. The Justice and Treasury departments have not responded to inquiries regarding the legal challenge. Brendan Ballou, an attorney for the officers and former Justice Department prosecutor on Jan. 6 cases, is involved in the suit.