Two Capitol Hill police officers are suing former POTUS Donald Trump for inciting the Jan. 6. riots.
Officers James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby claim protesters attacked them with aerosol chemicals, including pepper spray and tear gas, that burned their eyes, throat and skin, Bloomberg reports. They add that since the riot, they have suffered from depression.
Blassingame “is haunted by the memory of being attacked, and of the sensory impacts — the sights, sounds, smells and even tastes of the attack remain close to the surface,” according to the complaint. “He experiences guilt of being unable to help his colleagues who were simultaneously being attacked; and of surviving where other colleagues did not.”
TRUMP’S FLYAWAY TOUPE
Both are seeking unspecified monetary damages for claims, including aiding assault and battery and directing infliction of emotional distress.
“I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard,” Trump said in a speech ahead of the riot. “Today, we will see whether Republicans stand strong for integrity of our elections. But whether or not they stand strong for our country, our country. Our country has been under siege for a long time. Far longer than this four year period.”