A police officer and a former police officer who sued and sought a court order to hang a plaque honoring members of law enforcement who defended the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot have asked a judge to allow their civil lawsuit to proceed.
Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and D.C. Police Officer Danny Hodges argue that the placement of the plaque, which was unannounced and unexpected, violates the law. The plaque was hung inside a pair of doors along the west front of the U.S. Capitol early Saturday morning at 4 a.m.
However, the plaintiffs—who have fought in court for the installation of the plaque—contend that its placement in what they describe as a “hidden” location is effectively no different than the basement where the plaque was kept for years, according to a court filing. The officers argue that Capitol administrators are violating the law by not placing the plaque in a public location that is freely open to visitors.
“Honor is a social act that is public recognition,” they assert. “The potentially temporary nature of this installation does not change this analysis.”
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who advocated for the plaque’s installation, has suggested that the plaque’s placement is not permanent.
Meanwhile, Democrats in both the House and Senate have long criticized Republican leaders for delays and foot-dragging in hanging the plaque. Jan. 6 police responders and their families have also advocated vigorously for the placement of the marker.
The lawsuit, which names the Architect of the Capitol as a defendant, argues that the law requiring the plaque to be installed by March 2023 also mandates that the memorial be displayed on the Capitol’s “western front,” referring to the exterior part of the building, rather than inside.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jan-6-police-responders-ask-judge-to-let-lawsuit-over-plaque-in-capitol-proceed/
