Read on Twitter
Good morning. I'm headed to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia where far-right groups are assembling. This is the minimum gear I have to equip to cover both law enforcement and extremists who threaten journalists. Not pictured: covid masks + first aid kit.
Governor Jay Inslee greets the hundreds of National Guard soldiers outside the Capitol this morning. About a dozen far-right activists are here. – bei Washington State Capitol
About 2 dozen people here staring at Washington State Patrol and National Guard. I've seen at least 2 long guns in the crowd so far. – bei Washington State Capitol
A few people are yelling nonstop at law enforcement, demanding to be let inside the Capitol building. One person has a bullhorn. – bei Washington State Capitol
This is the checkpoint for state legislators to enter the Capitol building. Very heavy police presence. – bei Washington State Capitol
Washington State Patrol Sergeant Darren Wright says so far 1 person has been arrested: an RV was blocking the road to the Capitol. He says law enforcement will be out as long as necessary and when asked about people wanting to breach the building: "that's not gonna happen."
Weapons I've seen here so far: 2 AR-15s, a wooden club, and a sword? – bei Washington State Capitol
At 11:00, the start of the legislative session, 1 person crosses the police line and is arrested. – bei Washington State Capitol
A man carrying an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle starts yelling at the group of press standing here. – bei Washington State Capitol
Related: asked about the journalists who were physically threatened yesterday and last Wednesday, State Patrol says that investigation is ongoing and they will ensure everyone's safety today including journalists. – bei Washington State Capitol
The verbal attacks against the press continue. The man with a bullhorn just called us "antifa press... but don't worry, we won't beat you up." There are no counterprotesters here so much of the vitriol is being hurled at reporters. – bei Legislative Building
Washington State Patrol confirms 2 arrests so far today. Both relatively peaceful: failing to follow a lawful order. They are prepared for more groups to show up this afternoon/ tonight and have no plans to pull back the troops. About 35 people outside the Capitol now.
Taking a break to file. Pretty quiet at the Capitol gates now. Just a few people shouting as law enforcement stands silently in the rain.
Follow @_megan_farmer & @KUOW for more and go to http://kuow.org for the the latest. Stay safe. – bei Washington State Capitol
Follow @_megan_farmer & @KUOW for more and go to http://kuow.org for the the latest. Stay safe. – bei Washington State Capitol
