Wednesday, August 13, 2025
57.0°F

State Patrol arrests 2 at climate protest in Olympia

The Associated Press | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 5 months AGO
by The Associated Press
| March 11, 2020 10:28 AM

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Two people with a climate activist group headed by indigenous leaders were arrested in Olympia Tuesday at a rally demanding that Gov. Jay Inslee draft a climate emergency resolution.

The group set up two tipi-like structures, called “tarpees,” on the steps of the State Capitol building at 5 a.m. Tuesday, The Seattle Times reported. On top of each of the tall structures sat two demonstrators.

The group also was demanding that Inslee extend the legislative session to pass more drastic measures on climate change.

“He could do it in his sleep,” said Paul Chiyokten Wagner, Saanich tribal member and founder of the Protectors of the Salish Sea. “He claims to be a climate hero.”

The group held a similar demonstration in September.

On Tuesday afternoon, State Patrol officers forced the group, which didn’t have a permit to demonstrate, off the steps. At least 10 troopers fitted in riot gear used power tools to disassemble the structures, while two activists sat precariously on top.

Washington State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis confirmed that the two people were arrested on trespassing charges. Loftis said a tribal liaison was sent to the scene around 9 a.m. to get information about sacred items that troopers should be sensitive of, and the structures were dismantled with “as little damage as humanly possible.”

Loftis said the structures will be returned to the group.

ARTICLES BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

September 9, 2021 12:03 a.m.

The Latest: US helped family escape Afghanistan overland

WASHINGTON — The United States is confirming for the first time that it has helped a U.S. citizen and family members to escape Afghanistan through an overland route to a neighboring country.

September 8, 2021 12:03 a.m.

The Latest: US helped family escape Afghanistan overland

WASHINGTON — The United States is confirming for the first time that it has helped a U.S. citizen and family members to escape Afghanistan through an overland route to a neighboring country.

September 8, 2021 12:03 a.m.

The Latest: Top Republican says Taliban holding Americans

WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee says some Americans who have been trying to get out of Afghanistan since the U.S. military left are sitting in airplanes at an airport ready to leave but the Taliban are not letting them take off.