Thursday, October 1, 2026
An alleged domestic violence incident fanned the flames of federal government intervention when a local elected official posted live footage on social media of a local law enforcement operation with no context.
The footage was filmed by Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse near the tail end of a SWAT operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspect for assault in the Lacey area on Monday morning, Jan. 19.
“Toward the end of a SWAT operation, Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse arrived on scene and recorded deputies and officers from Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Lacey Police Department, Tumwater Police Department, Olympia Police Department, Yelm Police Department, and Lacey Fire Department,” said Sheriff Derek Sanders in a social media post shortly after the incident wound down.
“The footage that is posted was during the debrief after the suspect was taken into custody peacefully. The incident was NOT immigration related, nor were any federal agencies involved.”
Sanders said a number of people reached out to him about the incident after viewing the footage, which apparently led to his response on social media. Sanders, whose response drew hundreds of views and comments, frequently uses social media to update people on various law enforcement activities, ranging from arrests and car chases to community events and training exercises.
Clouse later acknowledged deleting the footage from her Facebook page in a subsequent social media post.
“This morning, I responded to a community alert about potential ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity in Lacey. When I arrived on scene, I was relieved to discover that it was not federal agents. I observed several local law enforcement agencies responding to a domestic violence incident involving weapons,” said Clouse in the social media post.
She also took the opportunity to inform people that recording the incident did not run afoul of the law, while spelling out guidelines related to documenting such activities.
“As a reminder, we have a constitutional right to observe and record police activity in public spaces, as long as we don’t interfere with their work. This right has been affirmed by courts and is essential for accountability. When documenting law enforcement activity, maintain a reasonable distance, remain calm, and clearly state you’re exercising your First Amendment rights if questioned. However, safety must always come first — both yours and others.”
She added, “In this instance, upon notifying those who reported the activity and confirming the situation, I left the area and chose to delete the video.”
Later in his post, Sanders went on to detail the domestic violence incident that involved a firearm. The name of the suspect was not released.
“Upon arrival, deputies learned that the suspect pulled the slide back on a handgun and pointed it at the (victim’s) head. The suspect refused to exit the home. Due to the severity of the crime with a firearm involved, SWAT team operators responded to assist patrol deputies. Thurston County SWAT is regional in structure, made up of local police and fire agencies,” said Sanders in the social media post.
“After deploying a flash bang and negotiating, the suspect surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody for numerous felony crimes. Multiple firearms were seized from the residence. We have no issue being recorded by citizens or elected officials, but do want to ensure the public understands what exactly it is they are watching in such footage so that incorrect conclusions aren’t drawn.”
He added, “Great job today by deputies, detectives, and our SWAT team who responded to an extremely dangerous incident that yielded a peaceful outcome as a result of their hard work.”
Sanders later posted the footage filmed by Clouse on Facebook.
13 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Boatyarddog
Thank You Commissioner Clouse fpr keeping an eye out for ICE. They resemble a.Domestic Violence crime in Progress from what i've seen.
Tuesday, January 20 Report this
OlyBlues
Just what we need, Commissioner Clouse running around chasing and filming law enforcement operations and then encouraging others to do the same. This is totally irresponsible and juvenile behavior unbecoming of any respected elected official. This "live reporting" behavior endangers the Sheriff's deputies on scene while they conduct lawful, high risk operations. With the multi-million dollar deficit facing the county, totally incompetent county budget staff who could not forecast their own birthday, one would think she would have other more important priorities.
Tuesday, January 20 Report this
chrispc2u
Local citizens should be very careful about any law enforcement or ICE related events taking place. Keep in mind ICE are not thoroughly trained like law enforcement. Today Trump said “mistakes are going to happen”. I think this is a lame excuse for very poor training and leadership. Let our law enforcement do their job, don’t be a needless casualty of ice.
Tuesday, January 20 Report this
treedolympia
Thank you for sharing such an unusual police presence. I was personally contacted by an individual who lives directly in front of where the police activity was and they thought there were ICE agents outside. They, and their neighbors were terrified and completely unaware of what was happening right outside their front window. I am glad you did not speculate and say what you thought was happening.
I am glad that the Sheriff was able to shed light and add context to the video. I appreciate the livestream and that once you confirmed that folks were not in harm's way you deleted the video.
Glad you were available to observe and share exactly what was happening in that moment and that you did not interfere with LEOs. More importantly glad the DV victim was safe.
The Sheriff and Commissioner showed great teamwork and any other negative commentary is unhealthy and pointless.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
JW
I wouldn't put it past Clouse to fumble her way into another lawsuit for the county.
Sad for the neckbeards and AWFULs that didn't get to go toot their cute whistles.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
Shushu
After realizing that this was not an ICE incident, why would Ms Clouse post this? I am so sick of elected officials posts on social media that serve no purpose other than their own glorification.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
Porter
Pewpew. Go get 'em TCSO
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
EdieMG
Glad I didn't have to vote for Clouse.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
verity
This looks like a big nothingburger. I'd really prefer the Sheriff spend his social media hours telling us how TSCO can protect us from ICE violence. That's the content I need right now.
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
Rufus2026
ICE is a law enforcement agency responsible for seeking and arresting illegal who are criminals. Why wouldn't we want those who have committed assaults, stabbings, ****, robbery, DWIs, child molestation, etc. detained and deported? Many illegals were criminals before fleeing their home country. Some have committed more crimes here.
We arrest US citizens who commit crimes. Why not illegals?
Wednesday, January 21 Report this
PatMer
Clouse messed up. Why did she put her video on Facebook?
Thursday, January 22 Report this
Boatyarddog
Perhaps our community needs a wakeup call! These "law enforcment" mercinarys are Nothing but PAID MAFIA THUGS acting on behalf of A Totalitarian Dictator Wanna Be. TRUMP HAS OVER 352 Lawsuites addressing a Myrid of Charges against the Civilian Public. I expect every one to be successful on one or more Charges. O
Thursday, January 22 Report this
Wesley
Why do These People wet themselves whenever they see police?
Wednesday, January 28 Report this