Fire Chief Arrested in Connection with Jan. 6 Attack on U.S. Capitol

Introduction

A fire chief from Montana has been arrested in relation to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The chief is accused of directly spraying chemical substances into the face of a Capitol Police officer and a Metropolitan Police officer. The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of online sleuths who have played a crucial role in identifying and aiding in the arrests of numerous Capitol rioters.

Background

The arrested fire chief, Frank Dahlquist, had previously worked as a firefighter in Washington state and publicly advocated against vaccine mandates. Dahlquist faces multiple charges, including assault and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. He took on the role of chief of West Valley Fire Rescue in Montana in November 2022.

Online Sleuths

Dahlquist’s identification was made possible with the assistance of online sleuths, often referred to as “sedition hunters.” These individuals have been instrumental in aiding the arrest of hundreds of Capitol rioters. They had given Dahlquist the moniker #GreyScaleSprayer and managed to obtain a high-quality photo of him from Jan. 6. This photo led to a facial recognition match with a 2022 news story featuring a video interview with Dahlquist.

FBI Investigation

In August 2022, two of Dahlquist’s supervisors from his previous job in Washington were able to identify him, according to an FBI affidavit. Additionally, the FBI discovered that Dahlquist’s cellphone number had pinged in the vicinity of the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

Capitol Attack Details

The FBI affidavit alleges that Dahlquist had his face partially covered when he sprayed officers with an orange chemical substance. Both officers sought medical attention as a result. It is also claimed that Dahlquist attempted to throw a piece of lumber towards law enforcement officers when the mob approached the Capitol. After entering the building, Dahlquist remained on the grounds and continued to engage with law enforcement.

Text Message Evidence

In a text message obtained by the FBI, Dahlquist wrote, “It was a great day!! It got spicy but I love the taste of Freedom,” following the attack.

Arrest and Response

The arrest of Dahlquist was first reported by Seamus Hughes of Court Watch, a platform that tracks federal court filings. As of now, Dahlquist has not provided a comment in response to the arrest.

Conclusion

With over 1,200 people arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the arrest of the fire chief serves as another significant development in holding individuals accountable for their actions. Online sleuths continue to play a vital role in identifying additional suspects. Nearly 900 people have been convicted thus far.

Read More of this Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2024-01-10 23:15:53

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