Two law enforcement officers who were injured during the January 6 Capitol attack have filed the first federal lawsuit seeking to dissolve a newly created $1.8 billion compensation fund, arguing it illegally rewards individuals who participated in the insurrection. The fund was established as part of a settlement agreement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service, after the president sued his own administration for $10 billion.
Officers Challenge Legality of Fund
Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, both officers who suffered injuries during the January 6 events, contend that the fund will finance violent operations of rioters and paramilitary groups. They argue that the fund signals that violence against law enforcement will be rewarded, creating physical dangers for officers. The lawsuit alleges the fund is illegal, asserting that the Justice Department lacks congressional authority to establish it and that it violates the 14th Amendment's clause prohibiting the government from paying debts incurred in aid of insurrection.
Acting Attorney General Responds
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the fund is open to anyone who believes they were victims of "weaponization" under the Biden administration, emphasizing it is not limited to January 6 participants or specific political affiliations. Blanche refused to rule out that individuals who assaulted police could receive payouts from the fund.
This legal challenge marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the fund, which critics have labeled a "slush fund for insurrectionists." The lawsuit seeks to block the distribution of funds and dissolve the settlement agreement.
