2 Arrested During Protest At Washington's Capitol

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington's Capitol campus welcomed lawmakers back for the first day of the 2021 legislative session Monday, amid unusually tight security and enhanced COVID-19 precautions.

While the majority of Washington's 105-day legislative session will be conducted remotely, state lawmakers were required to come to Olympia in-person Monday to approve rules that will allow for virtual legislating. All legislative buildings have remained closed to the public since March, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Related: Washington's 2021 Legislative Session: Here's What To Expect

Washington State Patrol troopers, backed by the Washington State National Guard, arrived at the Capitol campus Sunday, preparing the property for expected unrest. The added security comes less than a week after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol and a group of protesters breached the boundaries of the governor's mansion in Olympia.

"From last Wednesday to today, I think we're all aware we've kind of turned a page in history," said Chris Loftis, director of communications for WSP. "People are behaving in ways that they simply have not behaved in our country in a long time."

By late Monday morning, fewer than two dozen protesters were gathered outside the temporary fencing placed around the Capitol. Washington State Patrol confirmed two arrests throughout the morning, including a woman who troopers said refused to move her RV from blocking a gate.

Later in the morning, troopers said a man attempted to enter the restricted area, despite repeated warnings, and was arrested without incident. Q13 News reported Simone Del Rosario shared a video of the arrest on Twitter. In an afternoon press conference, WSP said the 30-year-old man will also face charges related to trespassing at the governor's mansion last week.

When asked about preparations for the possibility of a group attempting to breach the Capitol, troopers said any effort to do so would be rebuffed.

"We're not going to let that happen," said Sergeant Darren Wright. "We have the staffing and the manpower and the resources to make sure that building stays secure."

Members of the state's National Guard accepted a request to provide up to 750 service members at the Capitol, but a spokesperson would not say how many were on the grounds. Washington State Patrol said the unusually high security measures were necessary in light of last week's events and recent online chatter.

"Due to information that has been posted online, and recent events, we have to take precautions and be prepared," Wright said. "Washington State Patrol has been tasked with protecting the building and assuring that the legislature is able to do their job and conduct their business. We're going to make sure we fulfill that mission."

Wright said WSP was not aware of any additional threats to the campus, but added protections would remain in place until all risks were minimized. On Monday, NBC News reported that the FBI sent a nationwide memo to law enforcement warning of armed protests at state Capitols possible in all 50 states on Jan. 16.