Western States Center Responds to Seattle Police Investigation into January 6 Involvement

Eric K. Ward, executive director of Western States Center, issued the following statement:

 “The January 6th attack on the Capitol was not a protest or rally. It was an attempted overthrow of American democracy. Law enforcement officers who participated engaged in dereliction of duty, if not worse.

 “Inclusive democracy requires a government that works for everyone. We grant vast powers to law enforcement, and with that comes vast responsibilities.

 “The investigation conducted by the Seattle Office of Police Accountability found that two Seattle police officers trespassed on Capitol grounds during the attack and then lied about their actions. The two were captured on video in an off-limits area with smiles on their faces as they watched the storming of the Capitol.

Attending a Trump rally does not disqualify a person from serving the public, but participating in an attack on our government and then lying about it certainly does. The officers’ behavior was clearly incompatible with serving in law enforcement, and we call on the Seattle Police Department to take appropriate action.”

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Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy through building movements, developing leaders, shifting culture, and defending democracy.