An intruder broke into the Washington state Legislative Building Sunday night, causing significant damage.
Gov. Bob Ferguson posted on social media platform Bluesky that the intruder “damaged several facilities and historical artifacts.”
In addition, the State Reception Room suffered “significant damage,” which Ferguson noted is a space that holds particular importance.
“We have the most beautiful Capitol in the country,” Ferguson 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.”
An intruder broke into the Washington state Legislative Building the night of Sunday, Oct. 5, but has since been taken into custody. Steve Bloom [email protected]
The Department of Enterprise Services is assessing the damage to the interior of the building, a DES spokesperson told McClatchy via email. The building was open to the public Monday but certain areas will be restricted as repairs begin.
An email from the Secretary of the Senate sent to Senate staff Oct. 6 said that the suspect committed acts of vandalism Sunday at about 10:15 p.m., including arson. Multiple flags were burned in the State Reception Room and the Rotunda.
The fire was extinguished before spreading but a “strong odor of smoke” may linger in certain areas, the email says.
DES’ Security Operations Center saw the intruder on surveillance video and worked with Washington State Patrol to make an arrest. The suspect was booked into the Thurston County Jail on multiple criminal charges, and appeared in Thurston County Superior Court Monday afternoon.
Also affected in the event: a House legislative office in the Legislative Building’s north suite, the email says. But WSP purportedly indicated that the actions of the suspect were not aimed at any one person. No Senate offices were affected by the vandalism.
A window is boarded up at the Legislative Building at the Washington state Capitol on Oct. 6, 2025, following a break-in the night before. Steve Bloom [email protected]
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins decried the break-in as “deeply troubling” in a statement. House and Senate leadership are working with Capitol security and law enforcement to investigate, assess damage and ensure the building is secure and safe for everyone, she said.
“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,” the Tacoma Democrat said.
She added: “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.”
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck said in a Monday statement that the suspect entered the Capitol after breaking a window. On the third floor, he tipped over both iconic busts, and all flags near the fire pots on the Rotunda’s east side were thrown over, with one being burned, Heck wrote.
The suspect shattered a glass door to enter the State Reception Room, Heck said. There he lit several items on fire, such as the “priceless” original rug.
Heck applauded the State Patrol for taking swift action to apprehend the man, who’s being charged with arson, burglary and malicious mischief — all in the first degree.
A lone vandal broke into the Washington state Legislative Building in Olympia late Sunday Oct. 5, 2025 and caused damage to historical artifacts and particularly, the State Reception Room. The suspect was quickly detained by the Washington State Patrol. The building remained open for public tours on Monday, with just the third floor closed for access. Steve Bloom The Olympian
The lieutenant governor noted a sharp rise in violence and political rhetoric tainted with violence. He said that security measures will be adapted to deter and prevent future incidents.
“The fact remains, however, that we must all do our part in turning down the temperature,” Heck said. “Violent rhetoric, property destruction, and violence against individuals are a cancer on our democratic society.”
Photos provided by DES underscore the damage. One shows a toppled-over bust of George Washington and another shows burned marble. Additional pictures depict various flags that were thrown to the ground and/or burned.
This comes after Ferguson and the state Legislature, to help mend a sizable budget shortfall, opted to cut spending earlier this year that effectively “gutted” Capitol security-staff funding, including a contract with WSP, the Washington State Standard reported last month.
DES wants the governor, in his upcoming 2026 supplemental budget proposal, to replenish about $3 million in funding. In their budget request, agency officials had warned that this year’s reductions would “leave the campus unprotected and vulnerable outside of normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.”
This story was originally published October 6, 2025 at 11:36 AM.
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