David Johnston, a licensed attorney, illegally entered the Capitol with a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. More than five years later, Johnston, a South Carolina resident, offers to help fellow ‘J6ers’ apply for payouts from a $1.8 billion fund established by the Trump administration. He charges a 10% fee for any award, capped at $5,000 per person.
In a social media video, Johnston expressed optimism, stating, “I think the narrative is changing” regarding the events of that day. Hundreds of Trump supporters pleaded guilty to storming the Capitol. Now pardoned by Trump, some seek to benefit from the $1.776 billion settlement fund, which aims to compensate those who claim political prosecution. Despite legal challenges and bipartisan criticism, many Jan. 6 participants are eager to claim taxpayer money.
“That’s up to the commissioners,” Blanche told The Associated Press on Thursday when asked about his position on whether violent Jan. 6 defendants should be eligible for payments.
Critics argue the fund allows Trump and his allies to downplay the Jan. 6 attack on American democracy. Some rioters, like Jason Riddle from New Hampshire, reject compensation, acknowledging legal consequences for their actions in breaching the Capitol. However, many others feel entitled to compensation.
A Florida man who posed with Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s podium demands restitution for the infamy. A New Jersey rioter described as a Nazi sympathizer sees this as “good news for all victims of weaponization.” A Texas man sentenced to seven years in prison described the fund as “payback” against Biden’s administration.
Oregon’s Pamela Hemphill, sentenced to 60 days in jail, criticized Trump for her legal troubles. Though she rejected a pardon, Hemphill seeks $5 million from the fund. “I wouldn’t have been there if Trump hadn’t lied about the election,” she said in an interview.
The fund faces political and legal obstacles. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche noted no restrictions on applicants. However, the ultimate decision lies with five commissioners yet to be appointed. It is uncertain if Congress will allow payments to Jan. 6 defendants. Senate Republicans, upset about the settlement, seek restrictions via a Homeland Security spending bill. A federal judge in Virginia temporarily blocked the fund’s formation amidst ongoing legal battles.
Brendan Ballou, formerly with the Department of Justice and involved in Jan. 6 cases, believes the fund undermines democratic institutions. He stated, “If the president gets people to forget or condone that day, he can get them to accept any attack on democracy.” Nearly 1,600 people faced federal charges related to the riot. More than 1,200 were convicted before Trump issued mass pardons and stopped pending cases. The fund has drawn interest from not only ‘J6ers’ but also other pro-Trump groups.
Meshawn Maddock, charged as a fake elector, intends to claim part of the fund, asserting, “I want vengeance and retribution.” Trump’s campaign efforts to reframe Jan. 6 as peaceful have encouraged convicted rioters to seek compensation. Johnston’s readiness to assist rioters contrasts with his earlier remorse, admitting to a “terrible lapse in judgment” at his 2022 sentencing.