A police chief in Washington state was demoted and replaced on Monday after spreading a conspiracy theory that antifa activists were planning to destroy the community, The Daily Beast reports.
Keith Rogers, now the former Snohomish police chief, referred to a May 31 demonstration, in which armed residents turned out to protect the city from supposed leftist looters, as a “festive” night of tailgating. He was reassigned amid public calls for his resignation, The Beast reported, citing Heraldnet.
“At this moment in time, I believe reassigning Lt. Rogers is in the best interest of our community and our agency,” said Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney, whose office often contracts with the city for police services, according to The Daily Beast. “With over 25 years in law enforcement, I am looking forward to Lt. Rogers’ new opportunities for growth and leadership within the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.”
The Daily Beast noted that “Rogers is among several law enforcement leaders to be punished for questionable, and sometimes downright ridiculous, handling of protests over the last two weeks. From New York to Oregon to Illinois, officials have pushed conspiracy theories, physically fought with protesters, attempted to infiltrate demonstrations, and used excessive force during a historic reckoning for police reform.”
You can read the entire report here.
