Police in Olympia, Washington, said they removed dozens of homeless activists after they forcibly occupied a downtown hotel to secure housing for some of the city s homeless population.
At 11 a.m. Sunday guests inside the Red Lion Hotel began calling 911 to report a group was attempting to take over the hotel and an employee was allegedly assaulted, according to the Olympia Police Department.
Police estimated about 45 members of the activist group Oly Housing Now were inside and outside the hotel, some of whom were allegedly armed with hatchets, batons and knives.
Seven people were arrested on charges, including burglary and trespassing, according to KIRO-TV, and more arrests were expected.