A former tech CEO is trying to walk back his part in storming the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday after being arrested and hit with federal charges. Brad Rukstales, who was fired [1] Friday by Chicago-based tech company Cogensia is now saying he regrets taking part in the siege and that it was the “worst personal decision of his life,” Newsweek [2] reports.
Rukstales, who lives in Chicago, was part of the mob that broke into the Capitol. Politicians inside the building at the time were forced into lockdown while insurgents, spurred on by President Donald Trump, tore through the building and destroying property.
In a written statement that was published by a CBS affiliate, Rukstales apologized for taking part in the riot after he “followed hundreds inside.”
“My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so,” he wrote. “Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington.”
He added:
“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.”
But he kept his sentiments short when he was approached at home by a reporter for the CBS affiliate. He admitted to joining the riot and confirmed he entered the Capitol but closed the door when the reporter asked him why he decided to do that.
“I had nothing to do with charging anybody or anything like that,” he said during the interview. “I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. And I regret my part in that.”
Rukstales was one of at least 82 people arrested in connection with the violence, The Los Angeles Times [3] reports. While Rukstales is seemingly apologetic it’s worth noting he’s donated $28,000 to Republican causes and $12,000 to Trump’s campaign.
His former company has also distanced itself from him in a statement on Twitter:
Our CEO, Brad Rukstales' participated in the recent Washington DC protests. Those actions were his own and not acting on behalf Cogensia nor do his actions in any way reflect the policies or values of our firm. He has been placed on leave of absence while we assess further.
— Cogensia (@Cogensia) January 8, 2021 [4]
Twitter users have also pilloried Rukstales, some of whom have justice on their minds, and I think, justifiably so. He was part of a mob that hurt innocent people. It’s all well and good that he’s apologetic but it does nothing to heal the damage that’s been done and the folks below understand this.
Dear @FBI [5] @FBIDirectorWray [6]
If the local CBS news affiliate can find one of the domestic terrorist who attacked the Capitol and broke Federal laws less than 24 hours after he did it, why can't you?
His name is BRAD RUKSTALES.
He is IN HIS HOME.
He ANSWERED THE DOOR.
????? https://t.co/dgBV852uyZ [7]
— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) January 8, 2021 [8]
Hi @Cogensia [9], your CEO Brad Rukstales participated in an attempted coup against the United States. Have you fired him yet? https://t.co/F9tHixYWsJ [10]
— Devin Nunes' Alt-Mom (@NunesAlt) January 8, 2021 [11]
Brad Rukstales is no longer a "peaceful and law-abiding citizen" and he should be "deeply regretful" behind bars. https://t.co/c0yFlDxqAd [12]
— Trevor W. Schadt (@schadtenfreude) January 8, 2021 [13]
Funny how the FBI sobers people up real fast https://t.co/40Obwnmzf3 [14]
— Xeni Jardin (@xeni) January 8, 2021 [15]
Brad Rukstales willingly participated in a deadly insurrection, an attempt to overthrow the government, a failed coup. This isn’t a game. 5 people died. Your CEO entered the Capital building. He is a terrorist.
The world is watching you. And we won’t forget.
— Mattison (@Mattison) January 8, 2021 [16]