Federal judge orders Jan 6 rally organizer pay $2k daily until she complies with subpoena

A federal judge has ordered Republican fundraiser Caroline Wren, who organized President Trump's Jan. 6, 2021, rally at the Ellipse, to pay $2,000 daily until she complies with a subpoena.

When the rally, at which outgoing President Donald Trump spoke, was over, rally-goers and others went to the U.S. Capitol and breached the building, overwhelming police. 

U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida Donald Middlebrooks, a Clinton appointee, said Wednesday that Wren’s “pattern of disregard and non-engagement” has unnecessarily delayed proceedings in a lawsuit brought by U.S Capitol Police officers against Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, according to the Hill news outlet reported.

Her noncompliance with the subpoena has blocked the officers from accessing discovery “to which they are entitled,” Middlebrooks also said. 

He judge also said he'll consider additional steps to "spur" Wren's compliance including finding her in civil contempt and possible incarceration.

The police officers are seeking documents from Wren regarding the planning and fundraising for the rally, and communications about planning, security, encouraging attendance, and the VIP section.

Former Trump attorney and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has also defied a subpoena resulting from the lawsuit. Last month, a lawyer for the officers asked a different federal judge to compel Giuliani's compliance.

The lawsuit, which is also against the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, has been pending since 2021.