Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

Guardsmen, troopers ready for protests

Portions of Capitol campus locked down in advance of legislative session

OLYMPIA -- The Washington National Guard and the Washington State Patrol took up positions around the Capitol today in advance of the opening of the legislative session.

Their deployment came as two protests took place in the city.

The only damage reported was a broken window smashed when some Black Lives Matter protesters broke off from the main protest downtown and marched to the Capitol campus, where state troopers awaited them.

After the window damage, the group retreated to the downtown park where the protest was being staged.

Fencing and barricades have been erected around portions of the campus, including the Governor's Mansion, the Capitol Building, the John A. Cherberg Building, the Temple of Justice and others.

Troopers and guardsmen are expected to remain at their posts at least through Monday, officials said, noting several protest groups are expected on the opening day of the legislative session.

Author Bio

Roger Harnack, Publisher

Author photo

Roger Harnack is owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.

 

Reader Comments(0)