In response to a Seattle Times article reporting that a Des Moines man was a member of the far-right group the Proud Boys and was present at the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove released the following statement:

“South King County is one of the most vibrant, diverse communities in our community and that diversity is our strength,” Upthegrove said in a May 26 statement. “Whether you have lived here all your life or have immigrated here and now call South King County home – you are welcome here.

“But let me be clear – hate has no place here.”

Upthegrove, of Des Moines, represents District 5 on the council. That district includes parts of Kent.

The article, written by the Los Angeles Times, reports about Ethan Nordean, the son of the owner of Wally’s Chowder House in Des Moines. Noredean previously worked at the restaurant.

Nordean is in federal detention facing conspiracy charges on allegations of planning to “obstruct, influence and impede” the certification of the presidential election, according to the article. The charges were brought after Nordean’s alleged role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Nordean has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Upthegrove decided he needed to stand up for the city of Des Moines and his district.

“We are a welcoming and inclusive community,” Upthegrove said. “We value diversity and cherish our common values. Those who choose to advocate for white supremacy, who utilize hate speech and who attempt to overthrow our democracy do not belong here. Hate is not a value – it’s a tool used to divide us and it will not flourish here.

“I condemn all that the Proud Boys stand for – they have no place in our community.”