Sixth SPD officer investigated for being in D.C. during U.S. Capitol riot

SEATTLE — According to the Seattle Police Department, the city’s Office of Police Accountability will investigate a sixth officer who said he was in Washington D.C. during the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6.

Last month, three officers reported to their supervisors that they were in D.C. after two others were placed on administrative leave when SPD discovered that they attended the protests.

During a meeting last month, Director Andrew Myerberg said OPA would review as much video as possible to determine if any SPD officer was involved in the riot. The officers also will be interviewed.

SPD said Friday evening, “While participating in a political event on their own time, out of uniform, violates no policy or law, and the Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, OPA is investigating to determine whether the officers engaged in any illegal activities or violated any department policies.”

Because the four officers self-reported being in D.C., and have not been found in violation of any policies or laws, they will remain on duty, officials said.

Chief Adrian Diaz has said: “If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol,” he will immediately terminate them.

Cox Media Group