Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from fund

Key Points:

• Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack have filed a federal lawsuit to block payments from a new $1.776 billion settlement fund intended for victims of politically motivated prosecutions, including potentially Jan. 6 rioters.
• The lawsuit argues the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is an illegal slush fund created by former President Trump to finance insurrectionists and paramilitary groups, labeling it as unprecedented presidential corruption that violates federal law and the Constitution.
• The fund originates from a settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns and will be managed by a five-member commission appointed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has not ruled out payouts to rioters.
• Officers Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn, plaintiffs in the suit, contend the fund increases threats against law enforcement and encourages violence by those acting in Trump's name, with Dunn currently running for Congress in Maryland.
• Acting Attorney General Blanche defended the fund amid criticism, stating that while the commission will consider claimants' actions, the decision to award money lies with them, dismissing opposition as "fake outrage."