Lawsuit Filed to Prevent January 6 Rioters from Accessing Settlement Fund

Two police officers have initiated legal action to prevent individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack from accessing a new $1.776 billion settlement fund. This fund is earmarked for individuals claiming victimization from politically motivated prosecutions. The move comes following remarks by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who defended the fund’s establishment in a congressional hearing.

The lawsuit, filed by the officers’ attorneys, argues that the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is illegitimate, claiming it could allow former President Donald Trump to support groups that commit acts of violence. The fund is tied to a settlement from Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS concerning the leak of his tax returns. A five-member commission, appointed by the Attorney General, will decide on payout eligibility.

Officers Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn, who also testified about their experiences during the riot, claim the fund poses additional risks to them. They state it encourages ongoing violence in Trump’s name and increases threats to their safety.

The contested fund follows Trump’s use of pardon powers to clear the charges of nearly 1,600 individuals linked to the Capitol riot. Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, maintains the fund’s legitimacy and criticized opposing views as fake outrage. The lawsuit also names Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent alongside Blanche as defendants.

Spokespeople for the Justice and Treasury Departments have not commented on the lawsuit. Brendan Ballou, representing the officers, is a former Justice Department prosecutor with experience in January 6 cases. The officers’ legal case adds another dimension to the controversy surrounding the aftermath of the Capitol events.