US Capitol Riot: Seattle Man Accused Of Punching Police Officer

SEATTLE — A Seattle man is among at least 13 people facing federal charges after a violent mob breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. In a news release, the Department of Justice identified Mark Leffingwell, 51, and a dozen others charged in connection with the riot late last week. Dozens more have been charged in Superior Court.

The insurrection in the nation's capital led to five deaths, including a Capitol Police officer who was hit with a fire extinguisher and a woman who was fatally shot by police outside the House chamber.

"Today's charges are just the beginning of the FBI's ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for the criminal acts of violence and destruction that unfolded during the U.S. Capitol building breach on January 6th," FBI Director Christopher Wray said Friday. "To be clear, what took place that day was not First Amendment-protected activity, but rather an affront to our democracy."

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Leffingwell is accused of unlawfully entering the Capitol, punching a police officer and participating in other disorderly conduct. A narrative statement signed by Capitol Police officer Daniel Amendola describes an encounter with the Seattle man in a hallway after a crowd broke a window and stormed the building.

He writes:

"Leffingwell attempted to push past me and other officers. When he was deterred from advancing further into the building, Leffingwell punched me repeatedly with a closed fist. I was struck in the helmet that I was wearing and in the chest. Working with other officers, I was able to gain control over Leffingwell, who attempted to struggle while being detained."

According to KUOW, Leffingwell was released on personal recognizance after a first appearance in federal court Friday. He will be required to attend further hearings virtually.

Separately, the Seattle Police Department on Friday announced two of its officers were placed on leave after leadership learned they were in the District of Columbia during Wednesday's events. Interim Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz said both officers would be fired immediately if an investigation determined they participated in any illegal activities.

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