Justice Department Seeks Dismissal of Jan. 6 Defendants’ Lawsuit

The Justice Department moved to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed by Jan. 6 defendants under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). They argued the claims were invalid as they were filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations.

The Department stated, “All the claims in the Complaint are ‘forever barred’ due to the failure to timely file the administrative claim with the agency.” The plaintiffs accused law enforcement of using “excessive police force” during the events of January 6, 2021.

The plaintiffs had not adequately completed the necessary documentation. Many forms lacked signatures and accompanying evidence. Under the FTCA, a lawsuit against the federal government requires filing within two years, along with other specific deadlines.

The Justice Department highlighted that since the alleged injuries occurred on January 6, 2021, the deadline to sue the federal government would have been January 6, 2023. They noted the earliest submission from Named Plaintiffs was dated July 29, 2025, exceeding the two-year limitation.

The department argued that the plaintiffs were aware of their injuries and those responsible yet chose to file their claims too late.

In a related move, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. This fund aimed to compensate allies of former President Trump, but the order does not restrict government compensation to convicted Jan. 6 rioters.

A former Justice Department lawyer mentioned that Blanche’s action to rescind the fund lacks legal standing and doesn’t prevent its potential reestablishment.