WASHINGTON (BLOOMBERG) - Two United States Capitol Police veterans who were on duty during the Jan 6 riot sued former president Donald Trump, accusing him of inciting the violent mob that injured scores of officers.

The complaint filed on Tuesday (March 30) came after earlier suits by two Democratic members of Congress who also blamed Mr Trump for stoking the insurrection in a months-long effort to reverse his election loss to President Joe Biden.

Officers James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby claim that protesters attacked them with aerosol chemicals, including pepper spray and tear gas, that burned their eyes, throat and skin. The officers suffered not only physical injuries - Mr Blassingame has also been dealing with depression since the riot, according to the complaint filed in the federal court in Washington.

Mr 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."

The officers seek unspecified monetary damages for claims such as aiding assault and battery and directing infliction of emotional distress.