Washington police have arrested at least 12 people occupying an Olympia hotel in a suspected attempt to “take over the hotel by force” and are demanding that local authorities provide housing to homeless people during the coronavirus pandemic , according to local reports.
Police in Olympia have arrested at least a dozen homeless activists who are alleged to be members of the group Oly Housing Now, reports the local news station King 5. The city had about 45 people on Sunday around 11:00 local time at the Downtown Olympia Red Lion hotel intruder, “armed with objects such as bibles, batons, knives and apparently washing gas masks, helmets and glasses in preparation for a confrontation.” a subsequent press release.
WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE
According to Olympia officials, 40 hotel rooms were booked by bystanders during the takeover.
HOMELESS ACTIVITIES CONTAIN WASHINGTON STATE HOTEL IN APPARENT TAKE OF EFFORT, AT LEAST 7 IN CONSERVATION: REPORT
“Before the occupation, the activist group had previously booked 17 rooms occupied by unoccupied persons while the occupation was taking place,” the city said.
One hotel worker was assaulted during the takeover, while the other sought refuge in the basement of the building, reports KING 5. People from the group passed the two floors of the hotel and apparently covered the windows with dark-colored tarpaulins.
LA INTERMEDIATE OFFICIALS PAY BETTER THAN WHITE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS WHO INCREASE CRISIS
Bystanders hid in their rooms, the city said.
Police obtained a warrant for conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary and trespassing, and a SWAT team was called to the scene.
The charges against the 12 people were not immediately specified. It was not clear if more people would be charged.
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Fox News’ David Aaro contributed to this report.