A recent incident at the Washington State Capitol has raised concerns over security and historic preservation. On Sunday night, a man broke into the Legislative Building, causing significant damage.
Intruder Vandalizes State Capitol
The intruder, identified as Gunnar Schubert, parked a vehicle on the flower bed in front of the Capitol at approximately 10:15 p.m. Shortly after his arrival, alarms triggered within the building. State troopers quickly responded, arriving on the scene to investigate the situation.
Details of the Incident
Upon entering through a broken ground floor office window, Schubert caused extensive vandalism. Reports indicate he had possession of two hammers, which he used to damage equipment and property within the building.
- Knocked over a bronze bust of George Washington
- Damaged a statue of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Set fire in the State Reception Room
- Created cracks in the marble floor
The State Reception Room, a vital space for official state functions, was particularly impacted. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed gratitude for the swift actions of law enforcement and the Department of Enterprise Services in apprehending Schubert without further incident.
Arrest and Background of the Suspect
Gunnar Schubert was arrested and booked into the Thurston County Jail. Charges against him include arson, burglary, and malicious mischief. Jail records reveal that Schubert previously faced legal issues, including a past sentence for breaking and entering.
In 2022, Schubert received a year-long jail sentence for illegally occupying a cabin in Mason County. He reportedly has a history of troubling behavior, including attempts to solicit rides for drug purchases.
Investigation and Ongoing Concerns
The investigation into the damage and the motives behind Schubert’s actions is still ongoing. According to authorities, the incident lasted about ten minutes from the first call to his capture. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among law enforcement or those present in the building at the time.
This event has sparked discussions about the security measures necessary to protect the Capitol’s historic artifacts and architecture. As the assessment of the damage continues, further updates on this developing story will be provided by El-Balad.
