January 6 Rioters Sue Police for 'Injuries' During Capitol Attack

Proud Boys and other convicted felons seek millions in damages for law enforcement response to insurrection attempt.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in red, white, and blue depicting the chaotic and violent scenes of the January 6 attack, with overlapping, fragmented images of rioters and police officers.The January 6 rioters' lawsuit against police seeks to shift blame and extract financial compensation for their role in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.Washington Today

Several people who were present during the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol are suing the U.S. Capitol Police and Washington, D.C. police for 'physical and emotional injuries' they claim were inflicted by law enforcement's response to the violent riot. The class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Florida and seeks millions in damages, with the plaintiffs including known members of extremist groups like the Proud Boys who were convicted of felony assaults that day.

Why it matters

This lawsuit represents the latest attempt by participants in the January 6 insurrection to reframe themselves as victims, despite their central role in the violent effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. It also highlights how some rioters have managed to avoid serious consequences for their actions through presidential pardons.

The details

The lawsuit contends that the actions of U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. police in using tear gas, chemical irritants, and other force to push back the violent mob and defend the Capitol building were an 'unjustified response.' Among the lead plaintiffs are A.J. Fischer, a Proud Boys member charged with assault before being pardoned by former President Trump, as well as Patrick and Marie Sullivan, who described being hit with pepper balls and chemical spray. The class also includes others convicted of felony assaults that day, such as Proud Boys member Dominic Pezzola, who broke a window to help breach the Capitol.

  • The January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred.
  • The class action lawsuit was filed on April 2, 2026 in federal court in Florida.

The players

A.J. Fischer

A member of the Proud Boys extremist group who was charged with assault related to the January 6 attack before being pardoned by former President Trump.

Patrick and Marie Sullivan

A couple who described being present in the crowd on January 6 and being hit with pepper balls and chemical spray by law enforcement.

Dominic Pezzola

A Proud Boys member who was convicted of a felony assault for using a stolen riot shield to smash a window and help breach the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

Christopher Worell

A Proud Boys member who was convicted of unleashing pepper spray at a line of police officers during the January 6 attack.

Anthime Gionet

Also known as 'Baked Alaska,' a pro-Trump livestreamer who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to the January 6 insurrection.

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What’s next

A federal judge will decide whether to certify the class action lawsuit and allow the group of January 6 rioters to proceed with their claims against law enforcement.

The takeaway

This lawsuit represents a troubling attempt by participants in the violent January 6 insurrection to reframe themselves as victims, despite their central role in the effort to overturn the results of a free and fair election. It highlights the ongoing challenges in holding all those responsible for the Capitol attack fully accountable for their actions.