Police officers say Jan. 6 plaque is hidden from the public's view

Two police officers who protected the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, are seeking to continue their lawsuit over a plaque commemorating their and other officers' actions that day after it was installed last week "in an area blocked to the public," their court filing said.

Two police officers who protected the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, are seeking to continue their lawsuit over a plaque commemorating their and other officers' actions that day after it was installed last week "in an area blocked to the public," their court filing said.

Tuesday's court filing argues that the "decision to install the plaque in a part of the Capitol hidden from the public fails to comply with the text law."

Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges sued the Architect of the Capitol last year over the delay in implementing a 2022 law requiring the installation of a plaque honoring law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol against rioting supporters of President Donald Trump. The Architect of the Capitol agency is tasked with preserving the Capitol building and grounds.

In Tuesday's court filing, the lawyer for the officers argued that the recent installation violated the text and the spirit of the law, pointing to the legislation's purpose to "honor" the officers.

"Honor is a social — that is, public — recognition," their lawyer, Brendan Ballou, wrote. "Hidden from all visitors, the current location is no different than the basement the plaque was kept in for years."