According to local reports, Washington police arrested at least 12 people occupying a hotel in Olympia in an alleged attempt to “take over the hotel by force” and demanded that local authorities provide housing for the homeless during the coronavirus pandemic.
Olympia police have arrested at least a dozen homeless activists allegedly from the Oly Housing Now group, local news station King 5 reported. The group of about 45 people entered the Downtown Olympia Red Lion Hotel on Sunday at around 11 a.m. local time. “Armed with objects such as axes, sticks, knives and had gas masks, helmets and goggles apparently in preparation for a confrontation,” the city announced in a subsequent press release.
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Olympia officials said 40 hotel rooms had been booked by bystanders at the time of the apparent takeover.
HOMELESS ACTIVISTS OCCUPY WASHINGTON STATE HOTEL IN LIGHT TAKE-OVER ATTEMPT, AT LEAST 7 IN DETAIL: REPORT
“Before the occupation, the activist group had previously reserved 17 rooms, which were occupied by currently unhoused people when the occupation took place,” the city said.
One hotel employee was attacked during the takeover, while the others took refuge in the basement of the building, KING 5 reported. People in the group overtook the two floors of the hotel and reportedly covered the windows with dark-colored tarpaulin.
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Bystanders hid in their rooms, the city said.
Police were issued a search warrant for conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary and trespass, and a SWAT team was called to the scene.
The costs for the 12 people were not immediately specified. It was not clear whether more people would be charged.
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Fox News’ David Aaro contributed to this report.