Gov. Bob Ferguson said an intruder broke into the Washington State Capitol’s Legislative Building late Sunday night, causing significant damage to parts of the historic structure, including the State Reception Room.
According to the governor, the incident led to destruction of several facilities and historical artifacts inside the Capitol.
“There was significant damage in our State Reception Room, which is a particularly important space,” Ferguson said. “We are still assessing the damage.”
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck released a statement Monday, detailing the damage:
On Sunday evening, after 10 pm, an individual broke a window and entered the State Capitol Building. He proceeded in a fairly short period of time to damage several items in the building. He tipped over both iconic busts on the 3rd floor. All flags by the fire pots on the east side of the rotunda were thrown over and one was burned. He broke a glass door to enter the State Reception Room, where he also set fire to several objects, including the original rug, which is a priceless treasure.
The state patrol quickly apprehended the suspect as he was exiting the building following his rapid-fire damage spree. I commend the state patrol for their swift and professional response. He has been booked into Thurston County Jail and charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree arson, and first-degree malicious mischief.
Over the last several years, there has been a significant escalation in both violence-tinged political rhetoric and actual violence. 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.
The state capitol is our permanent symbol of democracy and our belief in self-rule. We will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2028. Thanks to the work of the public servants at the State Department of Enterprise Services, I expect it to be fully restored by the end of the week.
As I have often said, democracy is worth fighting for.
Ferguson praised the Department of Enterprise Services and the Washington State Patrol for their quick response in securing the building and taking the suspect into custody without further incident.
“We have the most beautiful Capitol in the country,” he said. “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.”
Washington Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) issued the following statement:
“Last night, an intruder broke into the Legislative Building in Olympia and caused damage to the Rotunda, State Reception Room, and various flags through vandalism and fire. This attack on our state Capitol building is deeply troubling to me, and House and Senate leadership are working closely with law enforcement and Capitol security to fully investigate the incident, assess the extent of the damage, and ensure the building remains a safe and secure space for everyone.
“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. 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.”
Officials did not immediately release details about the intruder, the motive, or the extent of the damage.
KIRO 7 News has sent a reporter to Olympia to gather more information.
The Legislative Building, completed in 1928, serves as the centerpiece of Washington’s Capitol Campus and houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state, along with legislative chambers.
The Department of Enterprise Services is continuing to evaluate the full scope of the damage and the cost of repairs.
