More than three years after the January 6th Capitol riot, a symbolic battle over remembrance and justice is unfolding. Two law enforcement officers, one former and one current, have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to compel the installation of a long-promised plaque honoring police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol.
⚖️ The Lawsuit
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the lawsuit comes from former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and current Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges — both of whom were on the front lines during the violent attack.
The suit argues that the failure to install the commemorative plaque violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
“By refusing to follow the law and honor officers as it is required to do, Congress encourages [the] rewriting of history. It suggests that the officers are not worthy of being recognized,” the filing reads.
The named defendant is Thomas Austin, the Architect of the Capitol, whose office is responsible for the installation and upkeep of Capitol monuments and memorials.
🏛️ Political Action on the Hill
As the lawsuit proceeds, Democratic lawmakers are taking symbolic action of their own — hanging replica plaques throughout Capitol Hill in a campaign to pressure leadership into fulfilling what many view as a moral and legal obligation.
The move is part of a broader effort to maintain public attention on the events of January 6 and the lasting trauma experienced by the officers who defended democracy that day.
🧠 Why It Matters
The case goes beyond a physical memorial. It raises questions about:
- Government accountability
- The politicization of remembrance
- The ongoing battle over historical narrative
📢 What’s Next?
- The lawsuit could set a precedent for constitutional claims tied to public memorials
- Congressional leaders may face increased pressure to act on bipartisan legislation
- The symbolic protests may inspire similar movements in federal and state buildings
By ✍️ Yorlinda Ramìrez - MicuPost Team
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