Jan. 6 Rioters Sue for Millions, Accuse Police of Excessive Force

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division, alleges that Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers “indiscriminately launched explosive munitions, chemical agents, and impact projectiles” at the crowd, causing injuries. The 15-page complaint states that police did not give any warnings before launching these items, violating a Washington, D.C., law requiring verbal warnings to protesters when there is no imminent danger of bodily injury or significant damage to property. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for physical and emotional damages.

The lawsuit asks the court to issue a judgment declaring that Capitol Police and MPD officers “assaulted and battered protesters” and “acted negligently.” They are seeking compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs. The lawsuit claims that the police actions caused physical and emotional injuries, including chemical burns, concussive trauma, and emotional distress. The plaintiffs are led by Patrick and Marie Sullivan, along with Alan Fischer, plus 35 other individuals who submitted forms pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Multiple police officers have spoken about the physical and mental trauma they experienced during the riot. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died in the hospital the day after suffering two strokes on Jan. 6. Officers Howard Liebengood (Capitol Police), Kyle DeFreytag, Gunther Hashida, and Jeffrey Smith (MPD) also died by suicide in the days following the attack. The rioters, who sought to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's election, caused damage, including broken windows and vandalism in congressional offices.

Elizabeth Grannis-Lafranchise, the communications director for MPD, said the department does not comment on pending litigation. The Hill has reached out to the Capitol Police for comment. The lawsuit seeks a court declaration confirming the assaults and police negligence. Eleven additional individuals submitted forms under the FTCA, but their six-month waiting period before being able to sue the federal government has not yet elapsed.

Donald Trump, on his first day back in office last year, pardoned approximately 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants, fulfilling a campaign promise. However, many of these individuals committed crimes separate from their activities at the Capitol, according to a January report from Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee.