Five years after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, officers who defended the building are still grappling with injuries, trauma, and efforts to downplay the violence, especially after President Trump pardoned many rioters, including those who injured officers. The officers face challenges in public perception and political narratives, but have also seen improvements in police support and safety measures.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has yet to issue a ruling on three lawsuits accusing Donald Trump and his allies of inciting the Jan. 6 violence at the Capitol, despite the typical four-month timeline for decisions. The court is considering whether Trump can be sued over his speech to the crowd before the riot, and its ruling could impact both Trump's criminal cases and the broader debate on presidential immunity. The delay has raised questions about the scope of Trump's immunity and has been noted in other Trump-related cases. The full legal process for the Jan. 6-related lawsuits has now spanned nearly three years.
