The Washington State Supreme Court ruled against a group of Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers who tried to block the release of public records revealing their identities after attending the January 6, 2021, rally in Washington, D.C. The ruling upheld the state's Public Records Act (PRA) and its emphasis on government transparency.
The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled Thursday against a group of Seattle Police Department officers who sought to block the release of public records revealing their identities after attending the January 6, 2021, rally in Washington, D.C.
Initially, the officers secured a temporary restraining order preventing the records from being released. However, a King County Superior Court later denied their motion for a preliminary injunction, determining that the requested records did not clearly fall under any PRA exemptions. “The Public Records Act exists to ensure transparency in government conduct, especially when it involves the actions of public officials at highly publicized events,” Montoya-Lewis wrote.
The four remaining officers denied entering the Capitol, and no evidence was found linking them to illegal activity. Their conduct was deemed inconclusive or unsubstantiated, and they were not disciplined. This means the lower court must now apply the newly clarified legal standard to determine whether any specific exemptions under the PRA might still apply.
Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public policy for KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Matt’s storiesCapitol Hill Icon and roadway business owner Rachael Savage has officially entered the Seattle mayoral race, adding her name to a growing list of challengers to incumbent Bruce Harrell.
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY JANUARY 6 RALLY SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT FIRST AMENDMENT
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