Capitol protesters are already being identified and suspended/fired from their jobs

The identifying, hunting down, and arresting of those who took part in the violent riot on Capitol Hill has only just begun. Many of the thousands of peaceful protesters will be swept up in this as well and will lose their jobs. One unnamed Pennsylvania teacher was suspended this week after taking part in Wednesday’s riot at the U.S. Capitol, pending an investigation. Others in Chicago and Colorado were arrested. That will spread across the nation.

The unidentified teacher is just one of a number of people who have reportedly been fired or asked to resign from jobs after being identified as a Capitol rioter.

A letter from the Allentown superintendent over the unidentified teacher admonished educators to be careful about what they post and share online because of how it could affect their students and colleagues.

“While we all have the right to express ourselves, it is important to do so respectfully,” the letter said.

The superintendent added, “We understand that many members of our community are upset by the image. At the same time, the district has an obligation to respect the First Amendment rights of our staff and students. Because of the emotion and controversy stirred by the events of January 6, 2021, the teacher has been temporarily relieved of his teaching duties until the School District can complete a formal investigation of his involvement.”

Texas attorney Paul Davis was fired or resigned from Goosehead Insurance after posting videos during the riot. In one video, Davis says, “we’re all trying to get into the Capitol to stop this.”

In posts on Facebook’s Stories feature, Davis stated he was “peacefully demonstrating” the whole time, and was not trying to actively break into the Capitol. “I said ‘trying to get into the Capitol,’ meaning to voice a protest. Not in any violent way,” he wrote.

Dr. Rick Saccone, a former Pennsylvania state representative, and an adjunct professor, submitted his resignation to St. Vincent College after he posted a video from the Capitol.

Saccone, who posted videos from among the crowd on the grounds outside the Capitol building, stated in a Facebook post that everyone around him was “involved in peaceful, first amendment assembly.”

Lindsey Williams, a Pennsylvania state Senator, shared a video that appeared to have been deleted from Saccone’s Facebook page. In it, Saccone says, “They broke down the gates, they’re macing them up there. We’re trying to run out all of the evil people in there and all of the RINOs that have betrayed our President. We’re going to run them out of their offices.”

“We believe that all individuals have the right to an opinion, but when beliefs and opinions devolve into illegal and violent activities, there will be no tolerance,” the college said in a statement in regards to Saccone.

The list could get very long here.

Another who got terminated was Chicago real estate agent, Libby Andrews. She posted on social media from the Capitol and lost her job for it.

“@properties does not condone violence, destruction or illegal activities,” a statement from the company said after explaining she acknowledged she took part in the riot.

Navistar, a direct marketing company in Maryland, announced that an employee had been terminated after he was photographed wearing his company ID badge inside the breached Capitol building.

“While we support all employees’ right to peaceful, lawful exercise of free speech, any employee demonstrating dangerous conduct that endangers the health and safety of others will no longer have an employment opportunity with Navistar Direct Marketing,” the company said in a statement provided to CNN.

The Texas Republican Party removed Walter West, its Sergeant-At-Arms, from his position after West made comments on Facebook supporting the Capitol siege.

“Whereas we vigorously support the First Amendment right to freely assemble, we condemn violence and pray for all gathering in our nation’s capital and those at the Capitol Building,” a statement on the Texas GOP’s website reads. “The Texas GOP has always been on the side of law and order and will remain so.”

In a statement, West said his Facebook posts were “misinterpreted” and he would never “advocate for violence on ‘The People’s House.'”

Rukstales, CEO of Schaumburg-based tech company Cogensia and a Chicago-area resident, was one of the people arrested by police. On Thursday night, Brad Rukstales apologized and issued the following statement.”

“In a moment of extremely poor judgment following the Jan. 6 rally in Washington, I followed hundreds of others through an open set of doors to the Capitol building to see what was taking place inside. I was arrested for the first time in my life and charged with unlawful entry.

“My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so. Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington.”

“I offer my sincere apologies to the men and women of law enforcement for my indiscretion, and I deeply regret that my actions have brought embarrassment to my family, colleagues, friends, and fellow countrymen.”

“It was the single worst personal decision of my life; I have no excuse for my actions and wish that I could take them back. ”

Police said 48-year-old tattoo artist David Fitzgerald, from Roselle, was also arrested. He posted on his Facebook account that he was under arrest and to “tell my wife.” Fitzgerald has been charged with unlawful entry and breaking curfew at the Capitol.

A U.S. Air Force veteran who served four tours of duty, was fatally shot during Wednesday’s riot, a Capitol Police officer later died of injuries suffered in the unrest after being bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher and three others died of medical emergencies, police said.