The events of January 6, 2021, were not a peaceful protest. They were an attempted insurrection - a violent attack on our democracy that left a permanent scar on this nation. Among the crowd were sworn law enforcement officers, including several from the Seattle Police Department, who traveled to Washington, D.C., to stand with those who sought to overturn the results of a fair election.

Now, four of those officers from are petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to keep their names anonymous in public court records. They claim they did nothing wrong. They say revealing their identities violates their privacy. But if they truly believe they acted lawfully and honorably, why hide?

Anonymity is not a shield for public servants who choose to associate themselves with a violent assault on our country. These individuals are not whistleblowers or private citizens. They are current or former police officers, entrusted with the public’s safety and bound to uphold the Constitution. Participating in a rally that directly preceded a deadly riot at the Capitol - and in some cases, physically breaching police barriers - is a serious matter that demands transparency, not secrecy.

The Washington State Supreme Court ruled correctly: the public has a right to know. These officers do not get to walk both sides of the line, claiming the privileges of public service while evading its consequences.

This is not about punishing political speech. It’s about accountability for actions, especially when those actions threaten the foundation of our democracy. We cannot allow those who swore an oath to serve and protect to cloak themselves in anonymity when that oath is broken.

We call on the U.S. Supreme Court to deny the petition for anonymity. The American people deserve the truth. Justice demands it.

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)