Washington state Legislature convenes under tight security

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Security fencing at the Washington state Capitol was defended by National Guard members Monday as the Legislature convened amid concerns that armed groups might try to occupy the building, which is closed to the public because of the pandemic.

Some lawmakers returned as authorities reassessed security at state capitols across the country after the violence that occurred last week at the U.S. Capitol.

A right-wing militia initially encouraged its members to occupy the Capitol as the Washington state Legislature started its 105-day legislative session.

Last Wednesday, people broke a gate outside the governor’s mansion and made it to the porch and front yard. That breach came hours after the siege of the nation’s Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

An organizer of the planned Washington state occupation in Olympia canceled Monday's event but said he expected some people might show up to try to disrupt proceedings.

At least two people were arrested Monday. The Washington State Patrol said one was a woman who used a recreational vehicle to block a roadway and refused to comply with orders to move.

Later, about 20 people gathered outside security fencing near the Capitol, including a man who tried to walk past authorities as lawmakers were to begin their session. He was taken into custody after shouting “I have every right to witness this.”

The State Patrol, which oversees security of the Capitol campus, said there would be a robust police presence to ensure the safety of lawmakers, staff and journalists. Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, activated 750 National Guard members last week to help maintain order.

Officials declined to say how many of the 750 National Guard troops were at the scene Monday, but Washington State Patrol Sgt. Darren...