What happened

The night of Oct. 5, an intruder broke into the Legislative Building and damaged areas of the building.

There was significant damage to the State Reception Room, which has historic significance as a symbol of our state's democracy. The room contains many priceless, irreplaceable historical artifacts, some of which were damaged.

After an initial review of security footage and a physical assessment of the space, DES has found the following damage.

Rotunda

The intruder entered the rotunda, pulling county flags off of the raised areas, and pulled stanchions away from the state seal.

• Rotunda stairs: Some chips and cracks, and small section of burn damage.
• Marble floors: Minor surface damage.
• State seal: Minor scratches.
• Columbia County flag: Burned.
• Other county flags: Minor scratches to the bases from being knocked over.

State Reception Room, third floor

The intruder entered the historic State Reception Room on the third floor, knocking commemorative busts off their bases on the way.

• George Washington bust: Some cracks and chips to bust and column, with surface damage and scuffs to bronze, and chipped wood on pedestal.
• Martin Luther King Jr. bust: Light damage to statue, scratch on marble floor in front of bust, damage to base.

Once in the room, the intruder set fire to several items.

• 1928 chenille rug: Significant smoke and fire damage.
• U.S. and Washington State flags: Destroyed by fire.
• Piano and non-historic piano bench: Light smoke damage and cosmetic damage to the front of the piano surface facing the bench, bench burnt beyond repair.
• Original mohair drapery and tieback: Sizeable burn damage.
• Original teak floor: Burn damage to the floor.
• General smoke and burn damage: Lingering smoke and burn smells throughout the room.
• Glass door: Historic glass entry door shattered.

Other

The intruder also damaged an electronic card reader on an elevator.

Repairs

Total repair costs are unknown. DES is bringing in historic preservation and material experts to fully assess the extent of the damage and needed repairs. DES will share an update when a full estimate is available.

DES has completed some initial clean up and repairs:

• Ensured the building is safe and available for public use.
• Fixed the elevator digital card reader.
• Cleaned up the broken glass and put a temporary screen in place.
• Collected and catalogued damaged historic items.
• Put out air purifiers to clear smoke.
• Heightened security monitoring of building.

Photos

View security footage and photos of the vandalism.