Published：May 20, 14:47Last updated：May 22, 18:40

Capitol Police Sue to Block Trump's Riot Fund

May. 20, 2026 14:47

Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, officers involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, are suing to block Trump’s fund that they claim rewards insurrectionists. The lawsuit was filed on May 20, 2026.

Summarized

8News

8Media

May. 20, 2026 19:46

Officer Daniel Hodges of Washington’s Metropolitan Police and Harry Dunn of the U.S. Capitol Police filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block Trump’s payout fund. The officers, who were involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, are challenging the fund’s legitimacy. Their legal action aims to prevent the distribution of funds they believe are unjustified.

May. 22, 2026 18:40

Hundreds of individuals prosecuted for crimes related to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack plan to seek compensation from a new taxpayer-funded anti-weaponization program. The program, once operational, will allow defendants to file claims. The move comes as part of broader efforts to address legal and financial repercussions from the Capitol assault. Details about the fund's eligibility and distribution process remain unclear. The initiative has sparked debate over accountability and justice for those involved in the riot.

Two US Capitol Police officers, Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, have filed a lawsuit to prevent former President Donald Trump from distributing a $1.8 billion fund they claim could reward participants of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The legal action, filed on May 20, 2026, challenges the fund's legitimacy, arguing it may compensate rioters who assaulted law enforcement during the insurrection. The officers were among those defending the Capitol when protesters stormed the building, leading to a lockdown and the evacuation of Vice President Mike Pence. The Independent+2

👮 Officers' Legal Challenge

The lawsuit targets Trump's "anti-weaponization" fund, established after he dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. Dunn and Hodges, who sustained injuries during the riot, argue the fund unlawfully benefits insurrectionists. Their legal team contends the fund's criteria could allow violent offenders to receive payouts, undermining accountability for the Capitol attack. Reuters+2

💰 Fund Controversy

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has not ruled out the possibility that rioters could qualify for compensation, sparking bipartisan criticism. The $1.8 billion fund, intended for victims of political "weaponization," has drawn scrutiny over its allocation process. Critics fear it could financially reward those convicted of crimes related to January 6. Toronto Star+2

📜 Broader Fallout

Hundreds of individuals prosecuted for January 6-related crimes are reportedly preparing to file claims under the fund. The initiative has reignited debates about justice and accountability, with opponents arguing it undermines law enforcement efforts. The lawsuit by Dunn and Hodges reflects ongoing tensions over how to address the riot's aftermath. CBC News+2

⚖️ Legal and Political Implications

The case could set a precedent for how funds tied to political violence are regulated. If successful, the lawsuit would block payouts to rioters, but the fund's supporters argue it protects free speech. The outcome may influence future legislation on compensation for politically charged events. The New York Times+2

Harry DunnDonald TrumpTodd BlancheDaniel HodgesUS Capitol Police