The show from April 26, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.
[SEATTLE] – (MTN) Researchers have tentatively identified the names and backgrounds of the 6 Seattle police officers who attended the Stop the Steal rally that devolved into an attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 election. Crosscut and our researchers had identified three officers previously.
The six Seattle police officers who allegedly were in Washington, D.C., during the insurrection are:
SPD listed Scotty Bach as an Acting Police Lieutenant assigned to the Southwest Precinct on October 15, 2020. The data shows he was an Acting Lieutenant through January 6, 2021, and returned to the rank of Sergeant on January 7. Bach is currently under investigation by the OPA for three separate incidents.
Sergeant Jacob Briskey has been the subject of multiple uses of force complaints, and the city of Seatle had to pay a $269,000 settlement in 2009. In that case, Romelle Bradford sued for being wrongly arrested by Briskey and being “roughed up,” per a Seattle Times report in 2008. The city appealed the finding and ultimately lost the case.
Alexander Everett and Caitlin Rochelle were previously identified as a married couple who went to the January 6 Stop the Steal Rally. Acting Chief Diaz suspended the couple with pay after other officers came forward and reported their activity in Washington, D.C. They were married in December 2020, and it is reported that the trip to hear Donald Trump speak was their honeymoon.
Jason Marchione is assigned to the South Precinct, and Crosscut previously revealed his attendance at the insurrection on January 6. Marchione and Rochelle are coworkers who work on the same shift. Marchione has had six OPA complaints since he started with SPD in 2017, and almost half of the use of force claims against the officer have been made by Black people. In one case, a Black man claims that Marchione broke the man’s wrist during a “hard takedown.”
Michael Settle is an Acting Police Sergeant Detective specializing in human trafficking. Little is know about Settle beyond a single investigation in 2010.
A court hearing was initially scheduled for April 2, 2021, to review a temporary injunction, but that hearing was declared moot.
Andrew Myerberg, the director of the OPA, told NPR, that officers are entitled to their political views, and the investigation will look into whether SPD policy was violated. The OPA added that if the officers committed federal crimes, they would work together with federal investigators.
The OPA has 180 days to release its findings of the officer’s activities to the public. Those results would be published in June and early July of 2021.
Editor’s note: This article links to content to validate our research and findings. They are in no way an endorsement or an attempt to validate disproven conspiracy theories.
[SEATTLE] – (MTN) Weeks after Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States, ardent believers of “stop the steal” have moved to a new message – stop the vaccine. While a shrinking fringe clings to the idea that Trump is or will be President, a loose affiliation of far-right, neo-fascist, and QAnon followers has taken to the Internet using various tactics to interfere with national vaccination efforts.
Within hours after the polls have closed on November 3, groups were forming to support the message of “stop the steal.” Amy Kramer, a Tea Party activist, created a Facebook page before election coverage had even finished. Before Facebook removed the page, she had amassed more than 360,000 followers. Facebook and other social media channels removed pages as quickly as they popped up, so the movement became more decentralized.
A review of Telegram, Parler, and the darker corners of Reddit shows a begrudging acceptance of the 2020 election among the believers and architects of stop the steal. It isn’t clear if that motivation is because the message of an illegitimate election no longer resonates among a widening group of Republicans or if organizers are chasing donors. The new mission is to erode trust, discredit the government, and slow down the vaccine rollout.
For far-right and neo-fascist groups such as Boogaloo and Proud Boys groups, the message is about government overreach. They see vaccination efforts, which are voluntary even among military members, as government overreach and control. For these far-right militias and anti-government groups, the anti-vaccination message is the actions of a controlling government.
British conspiracy theorist David Icke has produced a video called Murder by Vaccine. Icke is better known for his theory that lizard people run the planet. In a rambling 1 hour and 10-minute production, Icke tries to build a case that the COVID vaccine permanently alters human DNA with lethal consequences.
For QAnon adherents, the message is a hodge-podge of beliefs. Among them are ideas steeped in the distortion of Biblical prophesy that receiving a vaccination is getting the mark of the beast. QAnon followers have been wrestling with the “great awakening” concept since former President Donald Trump endorsed getting the COVID vaccination. On social media, some have accused the former President of being part of the deep state, while others have accused him of being paid off by Bill Gates.
COVID-19 has created a perfect storm of misinformation at the same time that numerous groups either are actively trying to build distrust or inherently distrust the government. Anti-vaccination physician and founder of America’s Frontline Doctors, Dr. Simone Gold, was arrested on January 20 for her part in the Capitol insurrection. Her organization includes Doctor Stella Immanuel, who infamously stated she believes in “demon sperm” as the cause of sexually transmitted diseases and alien DNA.
America’s Frontline Doctors pushed hydroxychloroquine as a cure for COVID. An idea embraced by the Trump Administration resulting in millions of purchased doses using federal and state tax dollars. Some states have attempted to force distributors to repurchase the doses, with Oklahoma leading the charge.
The more sinister efforts are happening at the state and local levels. On Telegram, groups have organized to take advantage of vaccination schedules.
In some regions, a hodge-podge of disconnected systems finds and assigns vaccination slots. Different insurance networks, providers, government agencies, and pharmacies don’t share information across these systems.
Small but organized efforts are clogging the queues with fake appointments using fake information. On Telegram, one person in Michigan wrote, “Me and my coworkers creating fake appointments to keep people from getting the vaccine. Let’s make Biden look bad!”
Other groups have shown similar efforts, but it is hard to determine if this is online bravado or an honest attempt to disrupt and slow down distribution. Nationally, the number of no-shows for vaccination appointments is around 20%. While the Johnson and Johnson vaccine doesn’t require specialized handling, the Modera and Pfizer vaccines do and have a short shelf life.
A growing number of experts are becoming concerned that a fourth wave of COVID cases is building in the United States. Twenty-seven states show growing infection rates, with Florida leading the way. Variants from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and California are taking hold. Here in Washington state, 14 counties are outside of the requirements to remain in phase three opening, including Pierce County. Detected cases have almost doubled in the last two weeks, with schools on the brink of reopening and office workers returning to Microsoft and Facebook.
Among those recruiting new members into the anti-government movement, fear of COVID-19 and vaccine efforts is a fertile hunting ground.
Thurston County prosecutor has elected not to charge Forest Machala with assault in the first degree or any other felony. On December 5, 2020, Machala was arrested for shooting a Black 20-year old counterprotester while attending a “stop the steal” anti-mask protest in Olympia. Washington State Police decided there was sufficient evidence to support the assault in the first degree charge, the equivalent of attempted murder in Washington state, based on eyewitness accounts, testimony of the victim, and video in the area.
The prosecutor’s actions send the charges back to the Washington State Patrol to request more evidence to support the charge. Machala was released on $50,000 bail shortly after being arrested. He has been staying in Bellingham as part of the conditions of his release. Prosecutors also dropped the restraining order between Machala and the shooting victim, and Machala can begin the process to have his guns returned to him.
The city prosecutor’s office in Olympia is closed for Christmas, so no comment is available on whether the city will pursue misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges against Machala. Stephen Kurtz was also arrested on December 5 for gross misdemeanor assault and failure to disperse. He was charged by the city of Olympia and is out on $1000 bail. In the Kurtz case, multiple journalists caught him brandishing a handgun, which police also witnessed.
[OLYMPIA] (Malcontent News) – Chris Guenzler was arraigned today in Thurston County superior court on assault, first-degree while armed with a deadly weapon. Guenzler entered a plea of not guilty through attorney Angela Colaitua. Judge Carol Murphy kept bail at $50,000 for the single charge.
On December 5, 2020, Guenzler attended an anti-mask and “stop the steal” protest in Olympia, Washington, which turned violent. During a brawl between protesters and counter-protesters, protesters fired paintball guns, deployed bear mace, and struck people with flagpoles. During this incident, Guenzler drew a pistol and fired a single shot into the crowd, grazing a person. Protesters from both sides made an audible gasp, while others hid behind cars.
Guenzler’s social media footprint shows strong alignment to the Trump campaign and far-right organizations. He is a graduate of Port Orchard High School, and according to his social media profile, he attended Kitsap High School for some time. His profile shows an affinity to sexualized content, guns, Trump, and white supremacy.
The next court date is January 6, 2021, with a trial date of February 16, 2020.
Stop the Steal and anti-mask protesters clashed with counterprotesters in Olympia, Washington. When it was over there were three arrests and one person shot.
Forest Machala is facing first-degree assault charges, the equivalent of attempted murder in Washington state, for his actions on December 12, 2020.
Video shows violence and has racial slurs. Viewer discretion is advised.
From Washington D.C., to Louisville, to Seattle, to Sacramento, to Portland, political violence rocked the United States.
[OLYMPIA] (Malcontent News) – The Washington State Patrol confirmed that 26-year old Forest Michael Machala, of Shoreline, Washington, was the person who shot a Black activist on Saturday in Olympia, Washington. Machala in custody at the Thurston County Jail, charged with 1st-degree assault, the equivalent of attempted murder under Washington state law. Machala is presently held without bail and does not have a lawyer on record.
Social media records show Machala graduated from Roosevelt High School and is a former Boy Scout. His profile indicates he has traveled, enjoys hiking, and is otherwise unremarkable. In a photo that captured Machala, he is seen in a “Make America Great Again” Trump hat and carrying a walking stick.
On Saturday, Machala and an estimated 50 to 75 heavily armed “Stop the Steal” and anti-mask Trump supporters descended on the state capitol. They rallied to protest the 2020 Presidential election results and ongoing business restrictions. Waving Gasden, Trump, and American flags, they were met by a larger and more lightly armed group of counter-protesters. About 100 Olympia, Thurston County Sheriff, and Washington State Patrol officers tried to keep the groups separated.
A series of brawls broke out, and officers deployed crowd control measures. A woman aligned with the Trump supporters was arguing with a Black man aligned with the counter-protesters. Around 1:45 PM, Machala allegedly drew a handgun and shot the Black counter-protester in the stomach. Protesters took the victim to the hospital in a private vehicle. Social media reports indicate the victim is in stable condition.
Earlier in the day, Stephen Christopher Kurtz, 42 years old of Olympia, Washington, was arrested by Olympia police for 4th-degree assault and failure to disperse. In that incident, Kurtz is accused of brandishing a gun unprovoked. Several journalists caught the incident on camera. Kurtz was released from Olympia city jail on $1000 bail. A hearing date for Kurtz has not been set.
Saturday’s shooting is the second in a week marred by gun violence. Christopher Guenzler is held at the Thurston County Jail on 1st and 2nd-degree assault charges. Guenzler is accused of shooting a protester one protester and pistol-whipping another on December 5.
Shoreline, Washington, where Machala lives, has been a flashpoint of racist activity in 2020, including threats against a group of children creating Black Lives Matter chalk art in front of their homes in August, and the attempted arson of a black-owned coffee shop in October. Officials have made no arrests in either of those incidents.
Chris Rojas contributed to this story.
Police declared a riot at 1:30 PM today as multiple groups squared off, resulting in one shot. Multiple groups rallied in the state capitol, including an anti-mask group demanding business reopen, another group demanding schools reopen, a “stop the steal” group protesting Trump’s loss, and Black Lives Matter activists. The groups engaged in taunts and small brawls before chaos broke out.
According to eyewitnesses, a woman aligned with one of the right-wing extremist organizations started arguing with an individual from Black Lives Matter. A man who was with the woman pulled out a gun and shot the person in the stomach. Social media reports the individual is in stable condition. Olympia police tweeted they made one arrest. Social media is sharing a picture of the alleged shooter. He has not been booked into the Thurston County Jail as of this writing.
After the riot declaration, smaller groups continued to march and engage for almost three hours. Olympia Police declared the situation under control early this evening and said they would continue to monitor the situation. The Washington State Patrol continued to have an aircraft circling the city, according to FlightAware.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”7″ gal_title=”December 12, 2020 Olympia Riot”]On December 5, 2020, during another incident with right-wing extremists, Police arrested Chris Guenzler after shooting a protester and pistol-whipping another. In that shooting incident, the victim was grazed by a bullet and sustained minor injuries. Guenzler is still in custody in the Thurston County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for December 22, 2020.
Right-wing extremists plan another protest in Olympia tomorrow at noon.
Renee Raketty contributed to this story.
Thurston County officials have charged Christopher Michael Guenzler, with 1st-degree and 2nd-degree assault after shooting a protester on Saturday afternoon in Olympia, Washington. Guenzler was being held without bail and did not have an attorney as of this morning. If the district attorney pursues both charges, Guenzler could be looking at a maximum of 45 years in prison.
On Saturday, Trump supporters and anti-maskers planned a rally in Olympia, Washington. They are following baseless and unproven claims of widespread election fraud at a national and state level and that COVID is a hoax.
Multiple journalists aligned to the political left and right caught the incident on camera. Guenzler, wearing a lime green sweat jacket with a “don’t tread on me” graphic, brandished a sidearm earlier in the protest. Counter-protesters and Trump supporters got into a scuffle, with the Trump supporters charging as counter-protesters were moving back.
You can hear multiple paintball rounds being fired in the videos while counter-protesters are struck, ironically, by poles with American flags on them while the flags land on the ground. One of the Trump supporters also deployed bear mace. Guenzler pulls his sidearm again and fires a single shot into the crowd. Protesters from both sides make an audible gasp after the sound of gunfire, and both groups back away.
During the melee, police did nothing to divide the protest groups and only observed. According to social media, the victim, who has not been identified, received a single gunshot wound. Guenzler was also identified at the anti-mask rally outside of Governor Jay Inslee’s house on Thanksgiving day. During that protest, 50 to 75 anti-mask protesters, some armed, blocked the road while sharing a potluck meal. During speeches that followed streamed live by journalists, protesters got increasingly angry, with some calling for violence and criticizing Loren Culp, a failed gubernatorial candidate, for directing them to stop engaging in direct action. The governor was not at his Bainbridge island home, and no direct threats were made against the governor. At that event, Washington state police aided protesters by blocking the road.
Guenzler’s social media footprint shows strong alignment to the Trump campaign and far-right organizations. His profile includes pictures with confederate flags in 2016. He is a graduate of Port Orchard High School, and according to his social media profiles, attended Kitsap High School for some time. His profile shows an affinity to sexualized content, guns, Trump, and white supremacy.
Stop the steal is a baseless Qanon conspiracy theory. The claims include that dead Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez tampered with Dominion’s software, a voting machine company. Recent additions to the idea include boatloads of illegal ballots arriving by ship from North Korea to a port in Maine.
In Georgia, Stop the Steal protesters advocate not voting on January 5, 2020, Senate runoff. The special election in Georgia will decide which party controls Congress’s upper chamber, with significant implications for the incoming Biden Administration. The idea being, that by not participating, impossible vote results will come out of counties, including “negative results” for the GOP candidates. Georgia has done two recounts and one audit of their results from November 4 and found no fraud evidence.
The Trump Administration has filed dozens of court claims at the local, state, federal, and with the Supreme Court of the United States. In total, 46 court cases have been thrown out due to lacking evidence or merit, including by judges appointed by Trump. Joe Biden won the US election by more than 7 million votes in the popular vote, and with 306 delegates from the electoral college. As of Friday, 279 electors have been certified for Biden. The electoral college will meet on December 14, 2020, to cast their votes for president.
A court date for Guenzler has not been set.
