Capitol police officers hit Trump with a lawsuit over Jan. 6 insurrection

Two longtime U.S. Capitol police officers have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump over the deadly Capitol insurrection that erupted on Jan. 6.

According to The Daily Beast, James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby on Tuesday filed a legal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia accusing the former president of inciting the Jan.6 riot that unfolded as lawmakers worked to certify the Electoral College vote that affirmed President Joe Biden's victory.

Blassingame, a 17-year Capitol police veteran, and Hemby, an 11-year veteran, claim they have suffered "physical and emotional injuries" as a result of the Capitol riots.

"Foremost in Officer Blassingame's mind was the terrifying certainty that the insurrectionists were interested in him and the other officers not going home to their families that night," the complaint reads.

The document goes on to argue how Trump's rhetoric at the "Save America Rally" likely influenced rioters' actions. Just before the angry mob headed to the U.S. Capitol, the former president encouraged them to "fight like hell" to contest the election results. According to the complaint, "Trump, by his words and conduct, directed the mob that stormed the Capitol and assaulted and battered James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby."

It also lays out the timeline of events leading up to the Capitol siege. The complaint notes that "insurrectionists were spurred on by Trump's conduct over many months in getting his followers to believe his false allegation" that the presidential election was somehow taken from him.

As the angry mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, Hemby was "attacked relentlessly" while Blassingame was "beaten all over the body and bombarded with racial slurs," the complaint says, per the publication.

The officers are reportedly seeking unspecified damages for the physical and emotional trauma they have suffered as a result of the insurrection.