Owners of Jan. 6 Riot Lawsuit: Trump Admin ‘Refused’ to Hang Plaque—Now They’re Suing!

Two officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack—Daniel Hodges of the D.C. Metropolitan Police and former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn—have filed a lawsuit against Congress and the Architect of the Capitol. They’re suing to enforce a 2022 law that mandates a memorial plaque be placed near the west front of the Capitol honoring everyone injured or killed trying to protect democracy that day.

Why the Lawsuit Matters

• The law required the plaque be installed by March 2023, but nearly two years later, it remains tucked away in a Capitol basement.

• Hodges and Dunn argue this delay is intentional—part of an attempt by former President Trump and his allies to “rewrite history” by downplaying the severity of the January 6 attack.

• Despite over 100 officers being hurt and hundreds of rioters being prosecuted, the sudden pardons issued by Trump in 2021 make the plaque’s omission feel symbolic—and deeply political.

Who’s Responsible?

• Architect Thomas Austin told Congress that he’s ready to install the plaque—but he hasn’t received any instruction from Speaker Mike Johnson to proceed.

• Democrats in Congress have pushed for action but continue to face delays that they say come down to political resistance, not logistics .

From Protest to Courtroom

Joining Rep. Jamie Raskin, the officers and their allies are bringing this fight to court after political pressure failed. They argue it’s not just about honoring the injured officers—it’s also about preserving an accurate record of what happened on that day.

Harry Dunn, who faced slurs and violence that day, noted that polite requests haven’t worked. “It’s unfortunate we had to file a lawsuit… but here we are,” he said.

Why This Story Matters

• Memorializing truth: The plaque stands as a physical commitment to remembering January 6—not just as an incident—but as a violent threat to democracy pending formal recognition.

• Power and politics: The delay signals how political leadership, including Speaker Johnson and former President Trump, wields influence over public memory.

• Precedent for accountability: If Congress ignores its own laws, what stops future erasures of history?

What Happens Next

• The lawsuit is filed in federal court for the District of Columbia; it aims to compel Speaker Johnson and Congress to act.

• Supporters are watching closely—it could set a precedent on whether federal memorial laws are enforceable or simply symbolic.

• A court decision may force lawmakers to balance politics with the duty to uphold laws honoring those who defended democracy.