Peaceful protester Victoria White has filed a lawsuit against Capitol Police Officer Jason Bagshaw and Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. The lawsuit, reported by The Hill on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, demands a comprehensive investigation into the police brutality that unfolded during the January 6th protest.
Video evidence captured Officer Bagshaw’s egregious use of force as he brutally beat White with a baton and fists, despite her being unarmed and posing no threat. The lawsuit, filed under the Civil Rights Act of 1871, specifically 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleges violations of civil rights, including the right to be free from unlawful seizures and excessive force.
Officer Bagshaw, a Commander for the Metropolitan Police Force, is identified as the assailant in the incident. Shockingly, he was promoted in 2021 despite his involvement in the brutal assault on Victoria White, raising questions about accountability within law enforcement.
White, who filed the lawsuit Pro Se to meet the approaching Statute of Limitations deadline, seeks economic and punitive damages against Bagshaw for violating her constitutional rights. Her attorney, Joseph McBride, revealed that the assault lasted approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds, with Bagshaw striking her about 35 times.
The legal battle gains significance as it marks the first civil lawsuit against police officers involved in the January 6th incident. While Statutes of Limitations have expired for many victims, White’s case remains within the deadline.
The lawsuit questions the appropriateness of Bagshaw overseeing First Amendment demonstrations given his violent actions. White not only seeks justice for herself but also urges Speaker Johnson to conduct a thorough investigation into the events of January 6th.
As the legal battle unfolds, attention turns to Speaker Mike Johnson, who is called upon to address the urgency of police brutality on January 6th. The lawsuit could serve as a catalyst for accountability, shedding light on the actions of law enforcement officers and their impact on peaceful protesters.
Victoria White’s case highlights the ongoing fight against injustice and challenges the perception that Statutes of Limitations had hindered legal action. The outcome remains uncertain, but her courageous stand resonates as a beacon for accountability and transparency in the face of alleged police misconduct.
