Recorded in video and photographs trespassing on Capitol Grounds during the riots on January 6, two Seattle police officers were terminated Friday effective immediately.
Around 2:30 p.m. on January 6, Seattle Police Officer Alexander Everett and his wife, Officer Caitlin Everett, were recorded in several photos later obtained by the FBI arriving at the U.S. Capitol building shortly after it had been breached by Trump supporters. According to their disciplinary action reports, the Everetts falsely claimed they were unaware of trespassing on Capitol Grounds even though there were numerous “No Trespassing” signs and broken barricades around them.
According to the FBI, the Everetts approached the Capitol building from the northwest lawn while crowds of people remained in their line of vision, surrounding the building and scaling the walls. Although the Everetts did not enter the Capitol, they were fired for trespassing, unprofessional behavior, and failing to self-report to a supervisor.
On Friday, Interim Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz issued the following statement: “Today, I issued my final discipline in the case of two officers found to have been in Washington, D.C., on January 6th. Based on the evidence presented to me and the statement of the officers themselves, I have terminated their employment with the Seattle Police Department, effective immediately.”
Chief Diaz added, “The two officers were found to have crossed the outdoor barriers established by the Capitol Police and were directly next to the Capitol Building. Clear evidence places them directly next to the Capitol Building. It is beyond absurd to suggest that they did not know they were in an area where they should not be, amidst what was already a violent, criminal riot.
“These two officers were present at an attack on the U.S. Capitol, which was also an attack on our profession and on every officer across the country. Make no mistake: as a result of the events on January 6th, five Capitol police officers have lost their lives. More than a hundred officers sustained serious injuries – some career-ending – through outright assault. Hundreds more, across all agencies called to respond, bear the physical and emotional scars of that day. The participation of these two officers in that crowd is a stain on our department, and on the men and women who work every day to protect our community, serve those in need, and do so with compassion and dignity.”
At least six Seattle police officers have admitted to attending Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, but all claimed that they did not participate in the Capitol riots. The identities of the four other officers still have not been disclosed to the public.
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