OLYMPIA, Wash. — Extremists from both ends of the political spectrum clashed three times Saturday afternoon near the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. Officials said more than 100 officers responded, with representation from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department and Washington State Patrol.
Filmmaker Robert Zerfing said he was right in the middle of it all.
“At one point, everyone just sort of rushed.”
BREAKING: @OlyPD CONFIRM
— Lauren Donovan (@LaurenKIRO7) December 13, 2020
4 arrests made
4 officers injured
More than 100 law enforcement officers responded to the mob clashes outside the #WashingtonState Capitol.
More updates to come at 11 PM on @KIRO7Seattle. pic.twitter.com/7u91wPLkBD
Zerfing said he’s a member of the far-right group Patriot. “They started just bashing cars as they were trying to leave. They were heading with clubs, bats, throwing rocks, bricks, all sorts of stuff,” said Zerfing.
Cellphone video showed protestors using a type of pepper spray as well as getting punched, kicked and hit by objects thrown at them.
According to Olympia Police, four arrests were made and four officers were injured during the demonstrations. Authorities said one person was shot and a suspect is now in custody.
There's been a shooting on the Capitol Campus.
— WA State Patrol (@wastatepatrol) December 12, 2020
The suspect has been detained.
We do not have any status on the victim.
There have been sporadic confrontations throughout the day. WSP and partner agencies are working together coordinating response to the situation.
Demonstration is now on Columbia at 9th. Law Enforcement has now declared this a riot. Officers are giving dispersal orders. Please avoid the area.
— Olympia Police Dept (@OlyPD) December 12, 2020
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