Retired NASCAR driver Tighe Scott, along with his adult son and two other individuals from Pennsylvania, are now facing serious charges in connection with their involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. The charges stem from confrontations with law enforcement during the siege.
Tighe Scott, aged 75, hailing from Pen Argyl, and three residents of Saylorsburg — Jarret Scott, aged 48; Scott Slater Sr., aged 56; and his son Scott Alex Slater Jr., aged 26 — were apprehended by the FBI on Wednesday. As of now, no legal representation has been listed for any of the accused, and inquiries about their legal counsel have not been addressed by prosecutors.
Authorities received assistance from informants in identifying these individuals after distributing photos and videos of the riot online. One tipster recognized Tighe Scott from his days as a racer.
The four men are accused of breaching the restricted Capitol grounds during the insurrection and engaging physically with law enforcement officers attempting to maintain order among the protesters. Tighe Scott allegedly struck police riot shields and attempted to wrench one away from an officer, while both Slaters, armed with golf clubs, pushed against police shields.
A scuffle ensued, during which Tighe Scott was pushed backward into his son, who then vocally confronted the officers with profanities. Simultaneously, Scott Slater Jr. reportedly hurled a flagpole and an “Area Closed” sign at the officers.
Tighe Scott and Jarret Scott are facing two felony charges each — obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers — along with five misdemeanor counts. Scott Slater Jr. is charged with three felonies, including obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon. His father is charged with felony obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, and both Slaters face multiple misdemeanor charges.
Tighe Scott had a background in dirt racing before transitioning to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although he didn’t secure any wins, he achieved numerous top-10 finishes and participated in several Daytona 500 races.
