Participants in January 6 Riot Sue Federal Government for Damages
A group of individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot has initiated a class action lawsuit against the federal government, demanding millions in compensation. The plaintiffs contend that law enforcement utilized excessive force against the pro-Trump mob that breached the Capitol in 2021.
Lawsuit Alleges Police Misconduct During the Capitol Riot
Filed on Friday in Florida, the lawsuit claims that as rioters clashed with authorities in an effort to overturn the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory, police “indiscriminately fired explosives, chemical agents, and impact munitions into a peaceful crowd and physically assaulted members of the crowd.”
Lead Plaintiff’s Background and Legal Maneuvering
Alan Fisher, a Florida resident associated with the Proud Boys and a former model, is the lead plaintiff in this case. Joining him are two other individuals who participated in the riot but were not charged: Patrick Sullivan and Marie Sullivan. Fisher received clemency from President Donald Trump at the beginning of his second term, resulting in the dismissal of his case prior to sentencing. He is among approximately 1,500 defendants from the Capitol riot who benefited from this clemency.
Additional Claims and Notable Defendants
This lawsuit also includes 35 additional individuals who, according to their lawyers, submitted written administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act over six months ago. Among these is a former Boston police K-9 officer, who described the events of January 6th as an “abhorrent act” and was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for related offenses. Another individual tied to the Proud Boys received a 10-year sentence for spraying a police officer with pepper spray during the chaos. Additionally, Andrew Paul Johnson, recently convicted of child sexual abuse, was sentenced to life in prison and allegedly attempted to silence his victims with promises of payment from the government.
Potential Scope of the Class Action Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit could see up to 46 plaintiffs involved, collectively seeking over $18.4 million in damages. The suit may expand even further, potentially encompassing “hundreds and even thousands” of individuals as the proceedings unfold.
Government Response and Ongoing Legal Battles
Representatives from the Justice Department and the plaintiffs’ attorneys have yet to comment on the lawsuit. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is dealing with multiple legal challenges stemming from the events of January 6th, which marked the beginning of President Trump’s second term.
Other Legal Issues Surrounding January 6th Events
One prominent case involves Ashli Babbitt, a rioter fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the insurrection. Babbitt’s family, along with the conservative group Judicial Watch, is suing the government for $30 million, claiming negligence by the officer who fired the shot. In a related development, the government reportedly reached a $5 million settlement with Babbitt’s estate, although this was clarified not to imply any admission of guilt by the authorities.
Continuing Legal Actions Involving Proud Boys
Additionally, the Justice Department is contesting a lawsuit filed by former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, whose sentence was commuted by Trump last year. This lawsuit alleges irregularities in Tarrio’s prosecution and is still in progress as the judge recently mandated that Tarrio and his co-plaintiffs disclose whether their lawyers receive third-party funding.
Pending Charges Against Brian Cole
Separately, the Justice Department has requested an extension to respond to a motion aimed at dismissing charges against Brian Cole, accused of planting pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic National Committees on the eve of the riot. Cole’s attorneys argue that he is included in Trump’s mass pardon for Capitol riot defendants. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali granted this request, giving the government until April 10 to reply.
