Police Officers Sue Over $1.776 Billion Settlement Fund

Two police officers, who defended the U.S. Capitol during the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, have filed a lawsuit. They seek to prevent payments from a new $1.776 billion settlement fund to individuals, including those involved in the riot. The officers’ attorneys submitted the federal lawsuit shortly after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche supported the fund during a congressional hearing.

The lawsuit argues that the fund, labeled the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” is an unlawful financial reserve. It claims the fund might be used by former President Donald Trump to support insurrectionists and paramilitary groups linked to him. The officers allege the fund represents an unprecedented act of presidential corruption.

The fund was established after a settlement of Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, related to a leak of his tax returns. It is intended to compensate those who consider themselves victimized by previous Justice Department actions. A five-member commission, appointed by the attorney general, will decide on payout allocations.

On Jan. 6, over 100 police officers were injured in the Capitol riot, and around 1,600 individuals faced charges. However, Trump later issued pardons for all related cases. The plaintiffs, Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, have expressed their concerns. Both testified before Congress detailing their experiences during the riot.

Hodges and Dunn argue that the fund encourages violence by endorsing those acting in Trump’s name. They assert that this fund elevates the danger they continually face, claiming the fund poses a direct threat to their safety.

The commission responsible for fund payouts will consider various factors before granting compensation. Blanche, who will appoint the commission members, emphasized that decisions will depend on the individual’s actions. Despite criticizing harm to law enforcement, Blanche stated compensation from legal actions against the government is not uncommon. He labeled criticisms of the fund as insincere.

Both Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are named as defendants in the lawsuit filed by the officers. There has been no immediate response from the Justice and Treasury departments regarding the lawsuit. Brendan Ballou, one of the officers’ attorneys, previously worked as a Justice Department prosecutor on Jan. 6 cases.