An intruder broke into the Washington state Capitol on Sunday night before setting fire to a flag and knocking over busts of George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.
The suspect, Gunnar McLean Schubert, wreaked havoc for around 10 minutes before he was arrested by Washington State Patrol, according to authorities.
Schubert was booked into Thurston County Jail and faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree arson, first-degree burglary and first-degree malicious mischief.
“It did not seem to be at all politically motivated. It appears to have been a person experiencing a mental health challenge,” Chris Loftis, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol, told the Washington State Standard.
Newsweek contacted the Washington State Patrol and Washington state Capitol for comment by email outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
The Washington state Capitol serves as a central hub for state governance, civic activities and public tours. Damage to this historic site raises fresh concerns about security measures for political buildings, and the escalating tensions around civic spaces nationwide.
Washington’s Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck expressed deep concern over the incident, describing the destruction as “heartbreaking news.” The reception room—where much of the vandalism occurred—contains “priceless, irreplaceable” items and hosts governors’ bill signings and educational tours.
“It is the people’s house, and it must always be a place where legislators, staff and the public feel safe carrying out the important work of democracy,” House Speaker Laurie Jinkins said in a statement.
What To Know
Schubert arrived at the Capitol at around 10.15 p.m. on Sunday and parked in a flower bed, authorities said. He had two hammers and broke into the building through a first-floor window.
The state patrol was alerted after an employee at the Department of Enterprise Services spotted him on the flag circle in front of the legislative building.
Once inside, Schubert moved through the building, toppling county flags in the rotunda and setting the Columbia County flag on fire with lighter fluid, Heck said, according to the Washington State Standard. He also burned a piano bench and attempted to ignite the room’s historic carpet.
Schubert also toppled busts of George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr., both of which were put back in place by midday Monday.
No injuries were reported, and Schubert was arrested without incident as he exited the building, authorities said.
Investigators and state patrol do not suspect a political motivation for the incident. “The suspect’s actions were very purposeful at the Capitol but appear to be an individual experiencing a mental health crisis of some sort,” Loftis said, according to The Associated Press.
What People Are Saying
Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck said: “The truth of the matter is, anytime this happens, whether it’s Paul Pelosi getting his head beat in or Steve Scalise being shot, they are, in all likelihood, both political statements and issues of mental health. It’s not cleanly one or the other, I don’t think. Hardly ever. It’s some combination, often.”
Washington State Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis said: “It did not seem to be at all politically motivated. It appears to have been a person experiencing a mental health challenge.”
Washington State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins said: “While this act of destruction is disturbing, we will not be deterred. The people’s work will continue, and our commitment to transparency, safety, and service remains unwavering.”
“We must all do our part in turning down the temperature. Violent rhetoric, property destruction, and violence against individuals are a cancer on our democratic society.”
What Happens Next
Schubert remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The Department of Enterprise Services is assessing the full extent of the damages and the necessary repairs required.
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