Capitol campus remains under guard

OLYMPIA -Hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers and National Guardsmen will continue to surround the Capitol Campus through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis said the National Guard will provide up to 750 troops, and some will be armed. All patrol troopers are armed.

"Significant," but temporary, fencing surrounds the legislative buildings and offices. It was erected more than a week ago, and prevents public access to proceedings, galleries and the offices of lawmakers and the governor, among others.

"I don't know that you could up security any more than it has been," he said.

Gov. Jay Inslee said a continued law enforcement presence is necessary because state capitols across the country anticipate demonstrations in reaction to Biden's swearing-in.

"Law enforcement remains present to help ensure that all sides have the opportunity to legally exercise their free speech rights and peaceably assemble in non-restricted areas," Inslee said. Typically, the legislative offices and buildings are open to the public, even when large protests are expected.

In addition to much of the campus being closed to the public, lawmakers are subject to a thorough entry process, Loftis said. Officials are now required to present IDs at several checkpoints.

So far, only two people have been arrested at the Capitol this legislative session.

On opening day, Jan. 11, a woman was arrested after using an RV to block an access road to legislative areas and a protester was arrested when he attempted to walk peacefully through a checkpoint in the barricade to observe the Legislature.

"It's tragic that we're having to do this, but it has brought calm," Loftis said of the barricades.