Arrested Diplomatic Security Officer Charged for Actions during Capitol Riot
State Department Officer Arrested for Capitol Incident
Introduction
A diplomatic security officer for the State Department was arrested in the District on Tuesday and charged with four misdemeanor counts related to his alleged actions entering the U.S. Capitol during the rioting on Jan. 6, 2021. The officer, Kevin M. Alstrup, is not accused of fighting with police or committing any damage. This information was determined through multiple videos and photographs obtained by investigators.
Link to Capitol Incident
According to an FBI affidavit filed on Friday, Alstrup was allegedly identified through a search of Google’s location data for the Capitol. Upon further investigation, the FBI confirmed Alstrup’s employment with the State Department, and his supervisor verified his role as a diplomatic security officer.
Impressive Security Background
Alstrup’s LinkedIn profile indicates his extensive experience as a security officer, including holding a top secret clearance and being sworn in as a special deputy U.S. marshal. He has guarded residences of former secretaries of state and defense, as well as participated in events involving the president and the vice president. The FBI affidavit acknowledges Alstrup’s experience in providing security for high-ranking government officials or sensitive locations, like embassies.
Alstrup’s Actions and Videographic Evidence
Alstrup’s Instagram account featured two videos from outside the Capitol on Jan. 6. Surveillance cameras captured him entering the building through the Senate Wing doors shortly after 3 p.m. that day. Investigators estimated that Alstrup spent approximately 28 minutes inside the Capitol before exiting through a broken window around 3:30 p.m.
Arrest and Charges
Following the identification and investigation, the FBI obtained a warrant for Alstrup’s arrest on Friday, leading to his subsequent arrest on Tuesday. He has been charged with four misdemeanors, including entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct, disorderly conduct, and unlawful picketing or parading. These charges are typical for Jan. 6 protesters who entered the Capitol but did not engage in violent clashes with police or cause property damage. Alstrup was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey and was released on Tuesday afternoon.
State Department’s Response
The State Department confirmed its awareness of Alstrup’s arrest and clarified that he no longer works for the department. According to a spokeswoman, Alstrup was a government contractor who provided uniformed officer services since 2010, but the exact departure date from State was not provided.
Alstrup’s Previous Employment and Employer’s Response
Alstrup’s LinkedIn page lists Inter-Con Security Services of Pasadena, California, as his previous employer. When contacted, the company declined to comment and provided no information regarding Alstrup’s current employment status.
