Chris Alberts: Veteran. Hero. Victim of injustice.

January 6, 2021 will be a day remembered in history. But how that story will be remembered has yet to be written. Will it be a black mark on our country’s storied past? Or will it be a shining moment where our country recommits itself to justice and the unalienable Constitutional rights of its citizens?

Chris Alberts, a decorated Veteran, is currently awaiting trial that could result in up to 70 years behind bars —after an illegal search that led to his arrest and the filing of 4 charges. Two superseding indictments later he now faces 8 felonies, and 1 D.C. Misdemeanor. Since then, he has been living with a GPS tracking bracelet on his ankle, the subject of various life-altering impositions from social media bans to threatening mail at his home, bank account deactivated, air bnb account suspended. All before having seen his day in court. So much for innocent until proven guilty. Chris also reached out to the VA for routine medical services only to find he was “unable to be found in the system.” He now pursues reinstatement of his disability benefits. Before deployment Chris suffered an indirect lightning strike leading to a traumatic brain injury.   

As a result of CS gas and crowd control munitions being launched into the crowd another protestor Benjamin Phillips, suffered a medical emergency later leading to his death. Alberts offered medical assistance explaining to the officers his medical training (from the military) and his CPR face shield. Moments later USCP Officer C. Atkinson engaged Alberts, and he was asked to assist with crowd control (time stamp 9:40) 

His actions that day are a testament to his unwavering dedication to protect and serve his fellow man regardless of age, race, gender or political opinion, making the accusations against him utterly incredulous. 

Granted, several of the charges against Alberts pertain to the possession of a deadly or dangerous weapon while “entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds.” However, Alberts never entered the Capitol building itself. He only ascended the West side steps after witnessing the Officer push Derrick Vargo off the Capitol steps. After falling thirty feet, Vargo was quickly surrounded by Officers and covered with a white blanket. 

According to the precedent set by the Lederman vs. US case, Alberts was arguably within his First Amendment rights to protest, weapon or not at the Capitol building.

The illegal arrest came hours AFTER Alberts was protesting on the steps as he was following orders to disperse. The officer illegally lifted his backpack and initiated a search without reasonable cause. MPD officer Dallan Haynes states he “noticed a bulge” on Alberts’. He then proceeded to use deadly force bashing Alberts on the head with a baton contradicting the MPD use of force policy. “MPD GO-RAR-901.07

After being detained Alberts witnessed an officer later to be known as Brian Sicknick was in need of immediate medical attention. Visibly suffering a medical emergency, he was struggling to drink water on the curb, Alberts offered medical assistance and he was told to worry about himself. Unfortunately the world lost officer Sicknick the following day. 

Alberts was never read his Miranda rights during his arrest, was later denied his “one phone call” and was forced to sit in a cell for hours while being covered in hazardous chemicals. Policy states “subjects who complain of continued effects of OC after having flushed the affected areas shall be transported to a Hospital for medical treatment” MPD GO-RAR-901.04 pg.14

He was one of many. The injustices are many. If we do not hold ourselves, our governing bodies and law enforcement agencies accountable, there is much more at stake than alleged election fraud and deepening partisan politics.

All citizens’ Constitutional rights are in danger. Regardless of what side of the fence you sit, this is a cause for serious concern – and fair trial. 

Chris Alberts is currently awaiting trial on February 6. Like many others, he is in desperate need of financial assistance. Please click here www.givesendgo.com/Hopeforahero to donate today. All funds raised will be used solely for the fight against Government injustice, and civil liberties. Any funds raised in excess will be donated to the National Constitutional Law Union.