Orting School Board member resigns following Jan. 6 charges

The Orting School Board member who is facing federal charges for his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection has resigned.

Orting's School Board President Carrie Thibodeaux issued a statement Wednesday saying that board member Rick Slaughter, 40, has stepped down, effective immediately.

"As a Board, we remain committed to transparency and open communication lines between the District and the local community," Thibodeaux's statement reads. "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 Orting School Board will now plan on filling Slaughter's vacant seat.

Slaughter was arrested on Oct. 12, along with his stepson, Caden Paul Gottfried, 20, of Puyallup. According to the Department of Justice, Slaughter and Gottfried illegally entered the Capitol on Jan. 6 and moved through the Lower West Terrace with other rioters.

The DOJ says it has evidence showing Slaughter at a tunnel entrance to the Capitol, grabbing a police shield from another rioter in an attempt to keep it away from officers. The DOJ adds that Slaughter yelled at police: “You guys need to stand down. Just walk away, nobody will f------ hurt any of you.” He then allegedly used a long pole to attack police, and handed chemical spray to another rioter.

Gottfried is accused of clashing with a line of police officers before being detained in the tunnel. He was eventually released.

At least 14 Washington residents have been charged in connection with the attack on Jan. 6.

Slaughter shared his resignation letter with Conservative talk radio station KTTH, which states that he initially didn't want to resign and give in to "mob rule." He said he ultimately decided to step down to be with this family during this time. Slaughter argues that he has not been given the benefit of the doubt and has been judged, but not by a jury of his peers.

"This was a news article, not a court trial," Slaughter said.