OLYMPIA, Wash. — A suspect broke into the Washington State Capitol Building on Sunday night, damaging historical artifacts and setting fire to multiple flags and a carpet.
The suspect was apprehended while leaving the Capitol Building, according to court documents. The suspect appeared to have used a hammer to break a window and sneak inside. Responding Washington State Patrol troopers also found a bottle of Zippo lighter fluid and a lighter near the broken window.
Inside the building, troopers found a broken key card reader to an elevator, a tipped-over hand sanitizer dispenser and cigarette ashes on the carpet. On the third floor, the suspect appeared to have tipped over busts of Martin Luther King Jr. and George Washington.
The suspect set fire to several county flags in the Rotunda, then broke into the State Reception Room, and set fire to more flags and the carpet. The Capitol Security Operations Center found video of the suspect walking around the Capitol holding the can of Zippo lighter fluid that was later found outside.
The suspect was booked into the Thurston County Jail on probable cause for first-degree malicious mischief, second-degree arson and burglary.
The Washington State Patrol said the attack did not seem to be politically motivated and that the suspect appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Multiple officials issued statements after learning about the vandalism on Monday morning.
“We have the most beautiful Capitol in the country,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said in part in a message on X. “I am grateful for the quick work of our Department of Enterprise Services and the Washington State Patrol to bring this individual safely into custody.”
“Over the last several years, there has been a significant escalation in both violence-tinged political rhetoric and actual violence,” said Lieutenant Gov. Denny Heck. “We can continue to adapt security measures, and we will, designed to prevent and deter such incidents. The fact remains, however, that we must all do our part in turning down the temperature. Violent rhetoric, property destruction, and violence against individuals are a cancer on our democratic society.”
House Speaker Laurie Jenkins said Capitol employees continue to assess the extent of the damage to the building.
“Washington’s historic Capitol is more than just a building — it is the people’s house, and it must always be a place where legislators, staff, and the public feel safe carrying out the important work of democracy,” Jenkins said. “While this act of destruction is disturbing, we will not be deterred. The people’s work will continue, and our commitment to transparency, safety, and service remains unwavering.”
트위터 공유: 워싱턴 의사당 역사물 파괴 반달 사건 발생