On May 20, 2026, two unnamed officers of the United States Capitol Police filed a lawsuit in a U.S. district court aiming to prevent individuals who took part in the January 6, 2021 riot from receiving payments from a newly created $1.8 billion settlement fund. The officers, who assisted in defending the Capitol building during the attack, say they suffered both physical and emotional injuries while carrying out their duties.
The lawsuit contends that the rioters should not be deemed eligible for compensation from the fund, which was established to provide financial assistance to those affected by the events of January 6. According to the filing, the fund is intended to support families of those killed or injured, as well as businesses and individuals who experienced property damage or lost income because of the riot. A third‑party administrator will oversee the review and approval of claims. The United States Capitol Police is a federal law‑enforcement agency with nationwide jurisdiction.
Its mandate includes protecting the United States Congress within the District of Columbia and across the nation’s territories. The agency reports to the Capitol Police Board and is the sole law‑enforcement body appointed by the legislative branch of the federal government.
As described by the USCP, its primary duties are to safeguard life and property, prevent, detect, and investigate criminal acts, and enforce traffic regulations throughout the congressional complex, surrounding parks, and thoroughfares. The USCP holds primary jurisdiction over the buildings and grounds of the Capitol Complex and also shares concurrent jurisdiction with other law‑enforcement entities. In the aftermath of the January 6 attack, the agency has collaborated closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the riot and bring those responsible to justice.
It has also undertaken steps to strengthen security at the Capitol, such as installing additional surveillance cameras and increasing officer personnel. A statement from the USCP Chief emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting the safety and security of members of Congress, their staff, and visitors to the Capitol building.
The lawsuit filed by the two officers has garnered backing from several legislators. Senator Chuck Schumer remarked, “those who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021 should not be eligible to receive compensation from the settlement fund.” Representative Nancy Pelosi added, “the rioters who attacked the Capitol were not victims, but perpetrators of a violent and deadly attack.” The case remains pending before the court, with a ruling expected in the coming months. Regardless of the outcome, the USCP affirms its ongoing dedication to defending the Capitol and everyone who works or visits there.
