Federal Tort Claims Act

The Justice Department is seeking to dismiss a class action lawsuit related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, arguing that plaintiffs missed the deadline to sue under the Federal Tort Claims Act by over two years. The lawsuit's filing deadline was Jan. 6, 2023, according to the department's motion.

President Donald Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump argued Pirro's decision was influenced by a judge's harshness and disagreed with her assessment that the damage resulted from poor construction rather than vandalism. Charges were also dismissed against three others accused of removing paint from the pool.

The ACLU of Vermont filed federal claims against ICE over a March 11 raid in South Burlington, alleging excessive force and unlawful detention of José Estrada Jerez, a U.S. citizen, and Jisella Johana Patin Patin, an asylum seeker. The raid, targeting another individual, resulted in the pair being injured and detained, with ICE agents using a battering ram and threatening tear gas. The claims are part of a nationwide ACLU campaign to hold ICE accountable for civil rights violations.

Lakeview homeowner Leo Feler is suing the federal government for a warrantless immigration raid at his home in October 2025, alleging Fourth Amendment violations by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents during Operation Midway Blitz. The lawsuit seeks damages and a court declaration that the raid was unconstitutional, following an incident where agents chased construction workers, detained one, and used tear gas on neighbors.

An active-duty soldier, Pfc. Benjamin Del Real Jr., was severely injured by a bullet during a shooting outside the White House and plans to sue the Secret Service for $25 million, accusing them of failing to protect bystanders. The shooter, Nasire Best, was killed by Secret Service agents, but it remains unclear if their gunfire caused Del Real's injuries. The Secret Service has not confirmed responsibility, and the investigation is ongoing.

An active-duty soldier, Pfc. Benjamin Del Real Jr., was severely injured by a stray bullet during a White House shooting and plans to sue the Secret Service for $25 million, alleging failure to protect bystanders. The Secret Service killed the shooter, Nasire Best, but has not confirmed if its agents fired the bullet that wounded Del Real. The soldier requires multiple surgeries after part of his digestive system was removed.

An active-duty soldier, Pfc. Benjamin Del Real Jr., was severely injured by a stray bullet during a shooting outside the White House and plans to sue the Secret Service for $25 million, alleging failure to protect bystanders. The Secret Service killed the shooter, Nasire Best, but has not confirmed if agents fired the bullet that struck Del Real.

Nearly 630 plaintiffs affected by Navy water contamination in Central Oʻahu will receive $17 million in court settlements under two lawsuits filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The DOJ described the payments as a 'just and fair resolution,' while victims criticized the amounts as insufficient to cover health damages and other losses.

January 6 defendants are seeking millions in compensation via the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows individuals to claim damages from the government. The process grants the Justice Department unchecked discretion to settle claims, using funds from the judgment fund previously linked to Trump’s $1.8bn slush fund. All claimants received pardons.

January 6 defendants are seeking millions in compensation from the Trump administration via the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows government-related injury claims. The Justice Department has unchecked discretion over these claims, which would be paid from the judgment fund, the same source as Trump’s proposed $1.8bn slush fund. All claimants received pardons from Trump.

Debbie Brockman, a former WGN employee, filed a $10 million claim against the federal government after being violently thrown to the ground and detained by federal immigration agents during an October 10 incident in Lincoln Square. The agents, part of Operation Midway Blitz, accused her of assault on a federal officer, though no criminal charges were filed, and she was released after six hours without charges.

A WGN staffer filed a $10 million claim against the federal government after being forcefully detained and released without charges during 'Operation Midway Blitz' in Lincoln Square. The claim alleges physical and emotional injuries from the arrest, including assault and false imprisonment, with the plaintiff criticizing federal agents for violent conduct.