January 6 rioters sue U.S. government over alleged police excessive force

A group of participants from the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot has filed a class action lawsuit against the federal government. The legal action claims police used excessive force during the unrest, including explosives, chemical agents, and projectiles. Among the plaintiffs are individuals with varied legal histories, including convictions unrelated to the riot itself. The lawsuit names 35 people who submitted administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Lead plaintiff Alan Fischer, a Florida man linked to the Proud Boys, had his case dismissed after receiving clemency from former President Donald Trump in 2021. Two other unnamed plaintiffs, who were not charged in connection with the riot, join him in the case.

Another plaintiff, a former Boston police K-9 officer, was sentenced for his role on January 6. Andrew Paul Johnson, convicted of child molestation, is also part of the claim. Additionally, a Proud Boy member sentenced to 10 years for assaulting officers with pepper spray gel and evading capture is listed. The plaintiffs seek over $18.4 million in damages. If expanded, the class could include hundreds or even thousands of individuals, though no official figures exist as of March 2026. The Justice Department and the plaintiffs' attorney have not yet responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit centres on allegations of excessive force by law enforcement during the riot. It specifically cites the use of explosive munitions, chemical irritants, and impact projectiles against the pro-Trump crowd.

The case remains in its early stages, with no confirmed numbers for potential additional claimants. Over 1,200 people have faced charges related to the Capitol breach, but investigations continue. The outcome of this lawsuit could affect how future claims of excessive force in similar events are handled.