Gov. Bob Ferguson said an intruder broke into the Washington State Capitol’s Legislative Building late Sunday night, damaging historic artifacts and setting a small fire inside one of the most significant rooms in the Capitol.
The break-in caused widespread destruction throughout the building, including the State Reception Room — a ceremonial space used for major state events.
Ferguson said the full extent of the damage is still being assessed but called it “significant.”
“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.”
According to Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, the break-in occurred after 10 p.m. Sunday when an individual shattered a window to enter the Capitol.
Once inside, the intruder tipped over two historic busts on the third floor, threw over several flags near the rotunda — burning one of them — and broke through a glass door to reach the State Reception Room.
Inside that room, the person reportedly set several objects on fire, including the original, nearly century-old rug, which Heck described as “a priceless treasure.”
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Washington State Patrol said troopers first noticed a vehicle parked on a flower bed in front of the Legislative Building around 10:15 p.m.
Within 30 seconds, the first trooper arrived, followed quickly by others who began looking for the driver.
Moments later, an alarm went off inside the building.
Troopers said the suspect, armed with two hammers, broke in through a ground-floor office window and moved through the building, damaging items like card readers and sanitizing stations before reaching the rotunda.
The destruction escalated as he moved upstairs.
By the time three troopers converged on the scene, they heard breaking glass and found the suspect exiting the building.
He was taken into custody without incident.
On Monday, the suspect, Gunnar Schubert, was in Thurston County court for his first appearance. He was released without bail, pending charges which prosecutor’s said are expected Wednesday.
Officials said the entire episode — from the first call to the arrest — lasted roughly 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.
The intruder was booked into the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary, second-degree arson, and first-degree malicious mischief.
He is expected to make a first appearance at 2:30 p.m. Monday.
The State Patrol said there was no indication of political motivation and that the incident appeared to involve a person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Lt. Gov. Heck called it “a sad story on all counts,” noting that “a troubled individual does damage to a historic building and artifacts – but fortunately, no law enforcement, building users, or the suspect himself were injured.”
Heck said the State Department of Enterprise Services is assessing the damage and expects repairs to be completed by the end of the week.
He praised state troopers for their “swift and professional response.”
“Over the last several years, there has been a significant escalation in both violence-tinged political rhetoric and actual violence,” Heck said. “We can continue to adapt security measures, and we will… but we must all do our part in turning down the temperature.”
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) called the break-in “deeply troubling” and said legislative leaders are working with law enforcement to ensure the Capitol remains secure.
“Washington’s historic Capitol is more than just a building — it is the people’s house,” Jinkins said. “While this act of destruction is disturbing, we will not be deterred. The people’s work will continue.”
The Legislative Building, completed in 1928, stands as the centerpiece of Washington’s Capitol Campus and houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state, along with both legislative chambers.
The Department of Enterprise Services continues to evaluate the cost and scope of repairs.
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