A group of four current and former Seattle police officers has escalated their legal battle to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to protect their anonymity in connection to their involvement in the January 6, 2021 “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C.
The officers, who were among six investigated by the Seattle Police Department (SPD), are attempting to block the release of internal records that could reveal their identities and personal details. Their petition argues that disclosing such information could jeopardize their careers, safety, and privacy.
The initial investigation was launched under the directive of former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, who tasked the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) with determining whether any department policies or federal laws were violated during the officers’ participation in the rally.
During the OPA’s internal inquiry, the officers were reportedly questioned not only about their presence at the event but also about their political beliefs and reactions to the events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol. According to legal filings, the officers allege that these interviews involved compelled statements made under the threat of termination, raising concerns about due process and First Amendment rights.
Central to the case is a request for public records filed by Sam Suekoa, a former law student, who sought access to investigation materials, including interview transcripts and internal findings. The officers—referred to anonymously in court documents—contend that releasing these materials would expose sensitive information and violate their rights to privacy and free speech.
Legal representatives for the officers argue that the compelled nature of the interviews, coupled with the potential exposure of their political views, sets a dangerous precedent for law enforcement personnel nationwide. They assert that the issue transcends individual interests and touches on broader constitutional protections for public employees.
As the nation continues to navigate the legal and societal aftermath of the January 6th rally, the Supreme Court’s response to this petition could have lasting implications on the balance between public transparency in policing and the personal rights of officers involved in politically sensitive matters.
The case remains under review, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
