The tranquil atmosphere of the Washington State Capitol was shattered recently when an intruder gained unauthorized entry, proceeding to cause extensive damage. The individual reportedly smashed a glass door, ignited a rug and a flag, and toppled revered busts of historical figures George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr. State troopers swiftly apprehended the suspect.
Authorities identified the man as someone with a history of mental health struggles. He has since been booked into Thurston County Jail, facing charges including first-degree burglary, first-degree arson, and first-degree malicious mischief. Chris Loftis, a spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol, indicated that while the suspect’s actions at the Capitol appeared deliberate, they were consistent with an individual undergoing a severe mental health crisis, as conveyed in an email to The Associated Press.
The incident began around 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2025, when the man bizarrely parked his vehicle in a flower bed within the flag circle situated directly in front of the Legislative Building. A vigilant employee from the Department of Enterprise Services, responsible for the Capitol Campus, observed this unusual behavior and promptly notified the State Patrol.
Equipped with two hammers, the suspect forced his way into the building via a ground-floor office window. He then ascended to upper floors, systematically damaging various objects and areas as he traversed the Capitol, according to Mr. Loftis.
Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck confirmed that flags located on the Rotunda’s side were toppled, with one being set ablaze. He further detailed that the intruder breached a glass door to access the State Reception Room, where he started fires that damaged several items, including the irreplaceable original rug. Diandra Asana, speaking on behalf of Lt. Gov. Heck, stated that the State Patrol’s investigation concluded the incident was not politically motivated, emphasizing the individual’s mental state as a key factor.