The chief executive of a small Chicago area marketing technology firm was arrested after breaching the U.S. Capitol in riots this week, one of multiple executives to have participated.
Bradley Rukstales, CEO of Cogensia, based in Schaumburg, Ill., was placed on a leave of absence as the firm assesses the situation, the company said. Mr. Rukstales was arrested Wednesday for unlawful entry, according to U.S. Capitol police.
In a statement, Mr. Rukstales said he regretted his participation, saying he exercised “extremely poor judgement” in following others into the Capitol, and apologized for the embarrassment caused to his family, colleagues and friends.
“It was the single worst personal decision of my life; I have no excuse for my actions and wish that I could take them back," he said.
On Twitter Thursday evening, the company posted: “Our CEO, Brad Rukstales' participated in the recent Washington DC protests. Those actions were his own and not acting on behalf [of] Cogensia nor do his actions in any way reflect the policies or values of our firm.”
Mr. Rukstales didn't respond to a request for further comment, nor did his company.
A woman identified as a CEO of another small company was also arrested, police said. Marsha Murphy, 50, was arrested for unlawful entry and a curfew violation, according to Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department. Ms. Murphy is listed as the chief executive of Amer-I-CAN Ammo Enterprises on the company’s website; its Oklahoma store sells ammunition and other products, according to its site. Ms. Murphy could not be immediately reached.