Capitol Officers Sue Congress Over Jan. 6 Memorial Delay

[ad_1] by Mary Spiller June 14, 2025

Two cops who defended the U.S. Capitol through the January 6 riot are suing Congress for failing to put in a legally mandated memorial plaque—arguing the delay is a part of a broader effort to erase the reality of that day.

Two cops who defended the U.S. Capitol through the January 6, 2021, riot have filed a lawsuit in opposition to Congress, demanding the set up of a long-delayed memorial plaque to honor those that protected the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges and former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn filed the swimsuit on June 12, the Related Press studies.

The lawsuit argues that Congress is violating its personal 2022 legislation mandating a tribute to officers who stood in opposition to the mob of Trump supporters. Hodges and Dunn’s swimsuit clarifies that the 2022 legislation directed the Architect of the Capitol to put in a commemorative plaque, however the deadline for its placement expired practically two years in the past with out motion being taken.

In response to the lawsuit, the delay displays a broader try by President Donald Trump and different members of his administration to distort public reminiscence of the assault.

“Even those that acknowledged the violence of the day finally partnered with the person who each impressed and minimized it,” Dunn and Hodges’ swimsuit reads.

As beforehand reported, over 100 legislation enforcement officers have been injured through the Jan 6 riot. Tons of of contributors within the riot have been convicted, however Trump successfully wiped all of these convictions with a sweeping act of clemency on his first day again within the White Home.

In April, Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin testified earlier than a Home subcommittee that Home Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had not licensed the plaque’s set up. He stated Johnson holds the authority over modifications on the Home aspect of the Capitol.

Whereas spokespeople for each Austin’s workplace and Johnson didn't reply to the AP’s requests for remark, the testimony has turn out to be related for the newly filed lawsuit.

Hodges and Dunn, each outspoken critics of Republican efforts to downplay the riot, stated the dearth of recognition provides to their trauma surrounding the occasion. “Each males stay with psychic accidents from that day, compounded by their authorities’s refusal to acknowledge their service,” the lawsuit states.

Hodges was practically crushed in a doorway through the assault. Dunn, who has spoken publicly about being subjected to racial slurs by rioters, left the Capitol Police following the riot.

Talking alongside Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) on June 12, Dunn stated, “It’s unlucky that we needed to file a lawsuit to compel Congress to observe their very own legislation, however right here we're.”

Raskin, who most notably led the cost on Trump’s second impeachment, praised Hodges and Dunn’s lawsuit. “All you’re asking for is the legislation to be adopted,” he stated.