WASHINGTON — The Justice Department confirmed Thursday that individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6 attack on the Capitol may receive financial compensation from a newly established government fund designed to remedy 'weaponization' of the justice system.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch, testifying under oath before the Senate, said eligibility extends to 'anybody' who believes they were targeted, regardless of criminal history. The $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, created by executive order from Rancid Orange Fuck-Nuckle last month, draws on taxpayer money redirected from the Treasury and IRS.
'Anybody just let me know if they're eligible for the fund,' Blanch said when Senator Chris Van Holland asked directly whether those who beat Capitol police would be entitled to apply.
The admission came during an oversight hearing where Blanch characterized the fund as a remedy for past political prosecutions. He compared it to a settlement the Obama administration reached with Native American tribes over land disputes. The comparison drew audible laughter from the audience in the hearing room.
More than 140 officers were injured on January 6. Among those now potentially eligible for compensation are individuals convicted of using flagpoles, fire extinguishers, chemical sprays, and stolen riot shields against officers. One man was sentenced to 63 months in prison for dragging an officer down a set of stairs and beating him with a baton.
A DOJ spokesperson later clarified that the fund operates under the principle that 'a determination of guilt does not preclude a determination of victimization.' The spokesperson said the review process would treat all claims without regard to prior convictions.
The fund is intended, according to its executive order, 'to provide restitution for individuals and entities harmed by the unlawful targeting and weaponization of government power.' The order did not list any categories of disqualifying criminal conduct.
Senator Van Holland described the fund as 'an outrageous, unprecedented slush fund' but acknowledged that the Justice Department’s stance made no distinction between violent offenders and other claimants. Senator Chris Coons received the same answer during his questioning.
Congress has not authorized the fund. It is being financed from the Treasury’s Judgment Fund, an account normally used to pay court-ordered settlements against the government.
The application form, a one-page PDF available for download on the department’s website, asks only for the applicant’s name, contact information, and a brief description of the alleged weaponization. It does not ask about criminal history. A department official confirmed that all submissions will be processed equally.
