Chicago Police Officer Charged With Role In Capitol Riot

“The fact that Chicago police officer has been charged in that attack on American democracy, makes my blood boil. Makes me sick to my stomach,” Chicago Police Supt David Brown said. “If the allegations are true, it breaks my heart.”

Video Transcript

– Vowed to serve and protect. Tonight, the Chicago Police officers charged with doing anything but that. Karol Chwiesiuk is accused of storming the capital. CBS 2’s Marissa Parra spent the day searching for the officer. She’s now live, Marissa.

– Charlie, we knocked on his door. We heard no answer. But we are learning more details on the officer who served the 11th district. This is a district primarily comprised of people of color. Federal agents say days after the Capitol insurrection he took part in, officer Chwiesiuk used the n-word in a message asking someone not to snitch.

Five months after the Capitol insurrection, a Chicago police officer who was accused of taking part has been taken off the streets by the city’s top cop.

– This officer, one of those officers we never should hired.

– The evidence against 29-year-old Karol Chwiesiuk is detailed in a 21 page federal filing.

– We cannot let that happen.

– Take a look at this video posted to Twitter the night of the insurrection by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley. Now, take a look at this selfie. Notice the same posters in the background? The man smiling in front is Chwiesiuk say prosecutors. Another photo appears to show Chwiesiuk outside with the same clothing. This time, with the Chicago Police logo clearly visible on his sweatshirt.

The federal complaint shows that agents use geolocation data to track his moves to and from D.C. that week. Agents combed through his communication records and found he had communications with Stop the Steal. And through a series of text messages. Chwiesiuk said he was trying to quote, “save the nation and expletive some comis.”

Agents say that days later, Chwiesiuk used the n-word while telling the person on the other end of the text, “don’t snitch.” The attorney for the 11th district officer says his client was exercising his First Amendment rights. And while the city says Chwiesiuk was on medical leave, they were Swift to offer his story as a cautionary tale.

Story continues

– Being a hateful bigot is not a political view. Being a hateful bigot is the antithesis of who we are as a country.

– There’s no place for you in this police department.

– Chwiesiuk has been relieved of his police powers. He’s expected to appear in court next Thursday. Reporting live outside of Chicago police headquarters, Marissa Parra, CBS 2 News.