On Friday night, a video of Republican Rep. Mike Nearman of Oregon who pushed open a door as he exited the Capitol, allowing protesters to enter the building while a legislative session was in progress.
In the security footage obtained by The Oregonian / OregonLive, the representative exits two doors and pushes one open briefly, allowing a protester to enter the property. A stream of protesters are then seen entering the building before state police force them to leave, resulting in a scuffle.
At the time of the breach, a special session on the coronavirus was underway in the Capitol. Those entering the building illegally, some with guns, had protested outside at the time against the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, the Oregon outlet reports.
Some of the protesters acted violently during the breach and reportedly attacked journalists. An officer has also been sprayed with something, as can be seen in the images.
The Oregonian reports that at least two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The Hill has contacted Nearman’s office for comment.
Updated: 10:54 am