Violent mob takes over Red Lion Inn in Downtown Olympia, 12 arrested

A “mob of about 30 people wearing black clothing” entered the lobby of Olympia’s downtown Red Lion Inn & Suites at approximately 11:00 am today, demanding to be housed and terrorizing hotel staff.

One staff member reportedly was assaulted as he tried to stop more individuals from entering the lobby.

Hotel staff reported to the 9-1-1 dispatcher that several individuals carried “batons” and large knives in sheaths on their hips. Once was said to have been carrying an axe. The individuals involved were protesting for rights for homeless people and demanding that more of them be housed in the hotel. 

As of 8:00 pm there were “at least 12 in custody” according to Olympia Police spokesman Lt. Paul Lower, who expects more arrests and charges to be made throughout the night.  The arrests were made for felony charges that include burglary first degree, trespassing and conspiracy to commit burglary first degree.

In addition to the individuals inside the hotel, there were some “similarly dressed people” outside of the hotel earlier in the day, including several wearing helmets and using “walkie-talkie devices” according to Lower. 

Hotel employees were prevented by the mob from leaving the hotel, so they retreated to a room in the  basement from approximately 11:00 am until 6:30 pm, when police could safely escort them out, according to Lower. He said police and hotel management were in constant communication with the staff throughout the afternoon.

Hotel management reported to police that several of the members of the mob group had checked into rooms yesterday but refused to leave at checkout time this morning. Some of these individuals “showed up with the mob making political statements,” Lower said.

Olympia Police obtained a search warrant through the Thurston County Prosecutors Office and have been examining all 119 guest rooms and other public and private spaces in the hotel throughout the day.

Approximately 30 of the hotel's rooms were occupied at the time of the takeover. The guests were a combination of business travelers, people involved with the ongoing legislative session and several people who are experiencing homelessness and had received vouchers from the city of Olympia entitling them to stay on the property. None of these individuals were affiliated with the mob, according

As of 8:30 pm there were 113 police officers responding to the situation, according to Lower. He said that every OPD detective and uniformed officer available was present and being assisted by Thurston County Sheriff and SWAT team, Washington State Patrol and its SWAT and Riot Teams.

Tumwater and Lacey police assisted Olympia police by responding to other calls inside the city today.