Jan 6 RNC Protesters Sue Capitol Police, Demand $18 Million Over Excessive Force
Key Takeaways
- Dozens filed Florida class-action alleging excessive force by Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department.
- Plaintiffs seek millions of dollars in damages.
- Lawsuit alleges police used chemical munitions and other projectiles against protesters.
Class Action Filed
Forty-six participants filed a class-action lawsuit in Florida.
“Several people who were at the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection are suing the police agencies that worked to defend the building that day, asking a federal court to award them millions of dollars in damages for the “physical and emotional injuries” they say were inflicted on them by law enforcement”
They seek $18.4 million in damages.
The suit alleges police indiscriminately launched munitions and chemically assaulted members of the crowd.
Fischer, Sullivans Lead Suit
Lead plaintiffs are Fischer and the Sullivans.
Fischer was struck in the face by a pepper ball.
The suit identifies 35 others who filed administrative claims.
Lawsuit Contrasts With Violent Reality
The suit portrays the crowd as peaceful.
“14:20 News Story Civil Rights Criminal Justice Election 2020 Election 2024 * Politics & Law Participants in Jan”
It acknowledges many in the crowd were not peaceful.
It seeks a declaration that Capitol Police assaulted the crowd.
Political Context
Trump pardoned about 1,500 people charged in connection with the attack.
The lawsuit represents a rare instance of participants suing law enforcement.
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