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.
The Red Lion Inn in downtown Olympia was the scene of the homeless protest
Around 35 people booked in to 17 rooms on Saturday night, and refused to leave
Carrying knives and axes they barricaded themselves into two floors of the hotel
Employees sheltered in the basement and hotel guests hid in their rooms
A group calling itself Oly Housing Now is demanding FEMA funds for shelter
They say it is dangerous to have COVID-vulnerable people in unsafe conditions
Officials at Thurston County say they are exploring options for funding
Attempted takeover of Olympia hotel by homeless activists ends in 10 arrests Alfred Charles, KOMONews.com Executive Producer
Attempted takeover of Olympia hotel by homeless activists ends in 10 arrests UP NEXT
Ten homeless activists were arrested in Olympia on Sunday after the group allegedly occupied a downtown hotel, assaulting at least one employee and prompting guests and staffers to shelter in place for several hours, authorities said.
Olympic Police Department Lt. Paul Lower told KOMO News that employees of the Red Lion Inn & Suites, located at 621 Capitol Way South, began calling for help at 11 a.m. after several people, one of whom was wielding a hatchet while others brandished batons and knives, entered the facility, saying they were taking the hotel over.