by Mary performs
June 14, 2025
Two law enforcement officials who defended the U.S. Capitol throughout the January 6 revolt 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 law enforcement officials who defended the U.S. Capitol throughout the January 6, 2021, revolt have filed a lawsuit towards 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 experiences.
The lawsuit argues that Congress is violating its personal 2022 regulation mandating a tribute to officers who stood towards the mob of Trump supporters. Hodges and Dunn’s swimsuit clarifies that the 2022 regulation 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 keeping with 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 regulation enforcement officers have been injured throughout the Jan 6 riot. Tons of of members within the revolt 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 approved 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 into related for the newly filed lawsuit.
Hodges and Dunn, each outspoken critics of Republican efforts to downplay the riot, stated the shortage of recognition provides to their trauma surrounding the occasion. “Each males reside 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 throughout the assault. Dunn, who has spoken publicly about being subjected to racial slurs by rioters, left the Capitol Police following the revolt.
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 comply with their very own regulation, 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 regulation to be adopted,” he stated.
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