February 2, 2021 8:35 am
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OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Days after Bellingham ousted campers from the lawn around City Hall, police in Olympia had their hands full with a large group they say tried to take over a hotel and turn it over to the homeless Sunday.
An Olympia Police spokesman told KOMO News that about 40 people led by the group Oly Housing Now entered the Red Lion Hotel at about 11 a.m. and threatened employees.
He said many of the group were carrying batons or bats, a couple reportedly had large knives and one was wielding an axe.
The group tried to occupy the hotel as guests and staffers sheltered in place for several hours.