A former and current Capitol Police officer and a D.C. Police officer challenge the unannounced plaque installation inside the Capitol, arguing it violates
Legal Challenge to Capitol Plaque Installation
A legal challenge has been mounted by a former and current Capitol Police officer to the placement of a plaque honoring law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot. Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and D.C. Police Officer Danny Hodges are seeking a court order to allow their civil lawsuit to proceed.
Legal Basis and Arguments
The officers claim that the placement of the plaque, which was unannounced and installed at 4 a.m. on a Saturday, violates the law. Dunn and Hodges argue that the plaque's location, hidden inside a pair of doors along the west front of the Capitol, is effectively no different from its previous placement in the basement for years. They contend that the placement in a non-public area is a violation of the law, which requires the plaque to be displayed in a public location accessible to visitors.
Previous Controversies and Advocacy
The placement of the plaque has been a contentious issue, with Democrats in the House and Senate long complaining about the delays and foot-dragging by Republican leaders in its installation. The Jan. 6 police responders and their families have been vocal advocates for the marker's placement. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has suggested that the plaque's temporary nature should not affect its legitimacy.
Legal and Legislative Context
The lawsuit, which names the architect of the Capitol as a defendant, argues that the law requiring the installation of the plaque by March 2023 also mandates that the memorial be displayed on the Capitol's "western front," an exterior part of the building, rather than inside. This legal requirement is central to the officers' argument that the current placement is in violation of the law.
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