Former Orting school board member indicted for role in Jan. 6 Capitol riots

Richard Slaughter had been a part of the Orting School Board since last December.

Yet it was his alleged behavior nearly a year before that has stunned so many people within the close-knit school district.

“I couldn’t believe it, but you never know what a person can do when they’re feeling passionate [about] something,” said Charlotte McQuay, parent of a student.

Passions that authorities say led to allegations that Slaughter and his adult step-son used a large pole to attack police officers guarding the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

By all accounts, those charges took Orting’s school board by total shock.

“This situation is a first, frankly,” said school board president Carrie Thibodeaux.

Meeting for the first time since Slaughter’s arrest, Orting’s top educators officially accepted his resignation.

“We’ll continue to partner with the local community to rebuild any loss of trust and confidence that may have occurred,” said Thibodeaux.

KIRO 7 called and texted Slaughter for comment about this story. His voice mailbox was full, and he never responded to our texts.

Following this resignation, Orting students told KIRO 7 they feel betrayed by Slaughter’s alleged actions.

“That is something that will never be (forgiven) and I am embarrassed to have that reflected upon my school,” said Mylo.

Yet parents like Charlotte McQuay say this resignation is still discouraging.

“He’s always been supportive of my daughter and has always done an amazing job out here. Sad to lose him,” said McQuay.

In total, Slaughter is facing 10 charges in relation to the U.S. Capitol riots.

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