Trump sued by two Capitol Police officers for ‘physical and emotional injuries’ suffered in riots
Former President Trump has been sued by a pair of Capitol Hill police officers for what they say are physical and emotional injuries they suffered as a result of the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 by his supporters.
Officers James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby allege in a lawsuit filed in federal court this week that Trump riled his supporters and encouraged them to commit acts of violence against them, according to The Washington Post.
“Both United States Capitol Police Officers reported for duty on January 6, 2021, without any suspicion that they would soon become the targets of Trump’s followers,” the suit states. “The insurrectionist mob, which Trump had inflamed, encouraged, incited, directed, and aided and abetted, forced its way over and past the plaintiffs and their fellow officers, pursuing and attacking them inside and outside the United States Capitol, and causing the injuries.”
The suit charges the former president with being directly responsible for inciting the riot that took place at the Capitol and outlines what each officer experienced that day.
Hemby was “attacked relentlessly” while protecting the Capitol, the suit states, and at one point was “bleeding from a cut located less than an inch from his eye.”
“He had cuts and abrasions on his face and hands and his body was pinned against a large metal door, fending off attacks,” it says.
Blassingame, who was moved from a post outside the Capitol to inside the building once the crowd grew and overtook police, says he and colleagues were pelted with rocks, sticks and other items.
“The threats and attacks on Officer Blassingame seemed endless,” the filing says.
During a speech before the rioting began on Jan. 6, Trump repeated false claims of election fraud and urged his supporters to march on the Capitol and display “strength” in an attempt to pressure lawmakers to not certify President Biden’s electoral college win.
Trump was subsequently impeached by the House on an article of inciting insurrection against the government but was acquitted by the Senate following a trial that took place after he had already left office.
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