ORTING, Wash. — A man accused of attacking officers in the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol has resigned from his position on the Orting School Board.
Forty-year-old Richard Slaughter and his stepson, 20-year-old Caden Gottfried, were arrested in Tacoma last week for their involvement in the riots at the Capitol.
According to the Department of Justice, Slaughter used a long pole to attack officers in the tunnel area leading into the Capitol building and handed chemical spray to another person in the crowd.
He has since been charged with several felony and misdemeanor offenses.
>> Details emerge about Orting School Board director charged in Jan. 6 insurrection
Slaughter resigned from his position on the Orting School District Board of Directors on Wednesday, according to a statement posted to the school district’s website.
“As a Board, we remain committed to transparency and open communication lines between the District and the local community,” reads the statement from school board president Carrie Thibodeaux. “While we appreciate Rick’s service to the District, we are also saddened by the hurt and frustration recent events have caused. This community, our schools, staff and students will continue to be at the heart of what we do, while building your trust and confidence.”
The school board says it plans to announce details on the process to fill Slaughter’s vacancy in the coming days.