In a significant development tied to the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, the Chief of West Valley Fire Rescue in Montana, Frank Dahlquist, has been apprehended for his alleged role in assaulting police officers during the insurrection. Dahlquist, arrested on Wednesday, now faces four federal charges, including forcibly assaulting officers, obstruction of law enforcement, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, as revealed by court records reviewed by Law&Crime.
The arrest of Dahlquist was first brought to light by Court Watch, indicating a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. Identified by online sleuths as “#GreyScaleSprayer” in March 2021, Dahlquist was pinpointed after meticulous analysis of photographs from the riot using facial recognition software, linking them to an interview he gave to NBC affiliate KING in April 2022.
Working in Washington state during the incident, Dahlquist gained notoriety for publicly opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates along with fellow firefighters. The FBI corroborated his identity by interviewing two of his former co-workers in Washington, who recognized his facial features, distinctive mannerisms, and a specific neck gaiter he wore regularly, connecting it to images from January 6.
Video footage and photographs captured Dahlquist both inside and outside the Capitol on that fateful day, providing compelling evidence of his involvement in the riot. In an alarming revelation, the affidavit stated that Dahlquist attempted to hurl a large piece of lumber at police on the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, boasting in text messages obtained by the FBI that “It was a great day! It got spicy but I love the taste of Freedom,” referencing the use of pepper spray.
Further cementing the case against Dahlquist, the affidavit detailed his entry into the Capitol through a Senate wing window at approximately 3 p.m. Using his cellphone to record himself moving through the building, the FBI confirmed the device’s identity through his former supervisor in Washington state and phone records.
During the half-hour obstruction of officers within the Capitol, Dahlquist continued his disruptive actions on the Upper West Terrace until nearly 4:30 p.m. The affidavit does not specify whether Dahlquist has retained legal representation at this time.
West Valley Fire Rescue, responsible for servicing at least four counties in Montana, has not provided immediate comment on how the department will address the disruption to its leadership caused by Dahlquist’s arrest. The investigation surrounding Dahlquist’s alleged involvement in the Capitol riot remains ongoing.
