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The Washington Supreme Court has refused to rule on a case that looked to release the identities of Seattle police officers who attended the Jan. 6 rally in Washington D.C.
The justices said they unanimously decided to return the case to trial court "for further proceedings," in a brief order issued Wednesday. The court left a restraining order that protects the officers' anonymity.
According to The Associated Press, six officers filed a lawsuit against several people who filed public records requests trying to learn their identities. The records requests also pursued information about the investigation by the Office of Police Accountability into their actions in the country's capital. A judge had previously ordered the release of the officers' names but they appealed and received a temporary restraining order.
Two of the officers, who are married, had their names revealed after the investigation discovered they violated the law in D.C. The oversight agency said the other four officers did not violate the law or policies. The two officers who behaved illegally, Caitlin and Alexander Everett, were fired. The four others continued to pursue their lawsuit, claiming they would experience harassment if their identities were released.
On Nov. 9, the court heard oral arguments on the case. Some judges asked if the officers should expect to maintain their privacy while attending an event that was highly publicized and attended by the President of the United States.
No explanation as to why the judges decided to send the case to another court instead of making a ruling was given.
For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below.
Neil Fox, a lawyer for one of the people who sought the names, said they will continue to fight for the release of the investigation into the officers' participation in the "Stop the Steal" demonstration.
"There is still a great public interest in lifting the veil of secrecy from former President Trump's attempt to interfere with the peaceful transition of power less than a year ago," Fox said.
"Pursuant to the Supreme Court's order, we will immediately file a motion in the superior court to require these six police officers to reveal their identities if they want to pursue their lawsuit. We hope that the superior court will release to the public these important records without much more delay."
In an emailed statement, Blair M. Russ, an attorney for the officers, said: "We are appreciative of the Washington State Supreme Court giving due weight to the results of a formal administrative investigation clearing these Officers of any wrongdoing."
