MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Quiet start to Inauguration Day in Olympia as added security remains

Jan 18, 2021, 7:28 AM | Updated: Jan 20, 2021, 8:21 am

The state Capitol building in Olympia. (Getty Images) Fences line the perimeter of the state Capitol building. (Getty Images) A passerby speaks with National Guardsmen in front of the state Capitol. (Getty Images) Protest presence in front of the state Capitol has been light in the wake of increased security. (Getty Images) Washington National Guardsmen at the Capitol in Olympia. (Getty Images) Security has ramped up at the Capitol in Olympia. (Getty Images) Washington State Patrol and the National Guard at the Olympia Capitol. (Getty Images)

With all 50 states fielding warnings from the FBI over possible violence at Capitol buildings, Washington’s own added security remains in place on Inauguration Day.

State patrol, National Guard set up extra security in Olympia

Washington State Patrol and the state’s National Guard have been out in force at the Capitol building in Olympia ever since the start of the 2021 legislative session last week. That’s included newly-installed fencing surrounding the area, a checkpoint manned by security, and hundreds of National Guardsmen and state troopers.

This all comes in the wake of the violent Jan. 6 siege on the U.S. Capitol, which left five people dead — including one Capitol police officer. Despite concerns that something similar might occur in Olympia, things have been relatively quiet in the days since, short of two arrests made at the Capitol last week for failing to comply with a lawful order after attempting to enter the restricted area.

One of the two people arrested last week was also determined to have been one of the people that breached a gate at the governor’s mansion on Jan. 6.

Lawmakers, protesters prepare for legislative session in Olympia

Few — if any — other incidents have been reported in the days since, with protest presence in Olympia remaining light. KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott reports that “all is quiet” at the Capitol building in Olympia as of early Wednesday morning.

Even so, state troopers and National Guardsmen say they “remain vigilant.”

“We remain in an elevated preparedness status as the lack of specific threat does not preclude the presence of possible danger,” WSP Communications Director Chris Loftis noted.

An additional 400 Washington state National Guard soldiers and airmen were also sent to Washington, D.C. for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration.

They are joined by more than 20,000 other troops and police from across the country, asked with protecting the U.S. Capitol and supporting federal partners in “a number of different roles as determined by the lead agency,” according to a tweet.

MyNorthwest News

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

52 minutes ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

1 hour ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

2 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

5 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

6 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

7 hours ago

Quiet start to Inauguration Day in Olympia as added security remains