Cogensia CEO sacked following Capitol unrest

US – Data marketing company Cogensia has terminated the employment of its chief executive and president, Brad Rukstales, after he was arrested following unrest at the US Capitol building.

Cogensia’s board of directors has terminated Rukstales, effective immediately, and appointed senior vice-president and chief operating officer Joel Schiltz as acting chief executive.

In a statement issued by the company, Schiltz said: "This decision was made because Rukstales’ actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia. Cogensia condemns what occurred at the US Capitol on Wednesday, and we intend to continue to embrace the values of integrity, diversity and transparency in our business operations, and expect all employees to embrace those values as well."

Rukstales said he had been arrested and charged with unlawful entry in a statement posted on his personal Twitter account on 8th January.

Apologising for what he called "a moment of extremely poor judgement", Rukstales confirmed he had entered the Capitol building "through an open set of doors" on 6th January following the rally in Washington.

Rukstales said: "My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so. Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington."

The US Capitol Police Department (USCP) did not respond to a request for comment to confirm the arrest.

Cogensia is a customer marketing firm based in Schaumburg, Illinois.