Two law enforcement officers involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot defense have filed a federal lawsuit to block the Department of Justice’s newly established $1.7 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” Retired U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges argue that the fund’s creation is illegal and want any Treasury Department transfers related to it reversed.
The fund was established this week as part of a settlement between former President Donald Trump and the federal government stemming from a lawsuit Trump filed accusing agencies of unlawfully leaking his tax returns and those of his family and company. The Justice Department announced the fund on Monday, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stating that it aims to “provide a systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare.”
Dunn and Hodges, who defended the Capitol against Trump supporters attempting to block the Electoral College certification, claim the fund rewards those who committed violence on January 6 rather than punishing them. In their suit, the officers contend the fund “sends a clear and chilling message: those who enact violence in President Trump’s name will not just avoid punishment, they will be rewarded with riches.”
The lawsuit highlights that convicted January 6 rioters—including some later pardoned by Trump—could apply for payments from the fund. Additionally, Trump administration officials and campaign affiliates who previously sued the Justice Department and settled may also become eligible recipients. Neither the Justice Department nor the White House has ruled out payouts to those individuals. Details around eligibility criteria and payout caps have yet to be disclosed, though Blanche said a five-member commission overseeing the fund will supply that information.
According to Brendan Ballou, attorney for the officers and founder of the Public Integrity Project, the fund “creates enormous physical dangers” for the plaintiffs and is “stunningly, blindingly illegal.” The officers request that the court prohibit any transfer of funds until the matter is resolved.
Background
The creation of the “anti-weaponization fund” follows a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed earlier this year alleging the government mishandled his tax documents, allowing their unauthorized disclosure to media. The settlement with the Justice Department also requires Trump and his team to drop administrative claims against the agency and permanently bars the IRS from pursuing further claims based on prior tax returns. The fund is one component of this comprehensive settlement.
The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol saw violent clashes between rioters and law enforcement officers like Dunn and Hodges. The new fund’s intention to compensate individuals claiming government retaliation or “weaponization” has proven controversial, especially among officers who risked harm defending the Capitol.
Sources
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