D.C. Riot: Seattle Man Accused Of Punching Officer Indicted

SEATTLE — A Seattle man is among the dozens of protesters facing federal charges after last week's riot in Washington D.C.

On Jan. 6, a pro-Trump mob stormed the nation's Capitol in Washington D.C., ransacking congressional offices in an attempt to overturn the November General Election and President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump.

Congress had to be evacuated for hours. Ultimately, 5 people died and at least 69 were arrested in the following week — including a lone man from Washington.

FBI documents show Seattle resident Mark Leffingwell, 51, was taken into custody on Jan. 7. He was indicted on the 11th, and now faces a total of six counts of three charges: knowingly entering a restricted building without lawful authority, assault on a federal law enforcement officer, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

According to the FBI's investigation, Leffingwell illegally entered the Capitol alongside dozens of other rioters, but while pushing his way into the building attacked Capitol Police officer Daniel Amendola.

A narrative statement of the events signed by Amendola reads in part:

"Leffingwell attempted to push past me and other officers. When he was deterred from advancing further into the building, Leffingwell punched me repeatedly with a closed fist. I was struck in the helmet that I was wearing and in the chest. Working with other officers, I was able to gain control over Leffingwell, who attempted to struggle while being detained."

Leffingwell has since been released on his own recognizance, but must follow several conditions of release, including giving investigators a DNA sample, and staying away from Washington D.C. except for court appearances or meetings with attorneys.

Leffingwell's next appearance in court will be Jan. 29, when the US District Court for the District of Columbia will hold a preliminary hearing for his case.

Related: 2 Arrested During Protest At Washington's Capitol

Thus far, Leffingwell is the only Washingtonian who has been charged for taking part in the riot. The Seattle Police Department confirms that at least two of their officers were in attendance at the protest outside the Capitol. Those officers have been placed on leave until the department can determine whether or not they took part in the riot which followed the demonstration.

Read more: 2 Seattle Police Officers Placed On Leave After D.C. Riot

Patch Editor Lucas Combos contributed to this report.