More than 200 people marched from downtown Olympia to the Washington Capitol Tuesday for the second day of protests over proposed cuts to state programs.
Carrying red balloons and chanting, “we are the 99 percent,” the group first gathered on the Capitol steps Tuesday before heading into the building to continue their march. Lawmakers returned to Olympia this week for a 30-day special session to address a projected budget deficit that has lawmakers considering nearly $2 billion in cuts.
The smaller protest came a day after four people were arrested during protests Monday on charges including disorderly conduct and felony assault. Officers with the Washington State Patrol used Tasers on at least three people Monday night and issued 30 trespassing citations.
Five people were arrested Tuesday for violating the trespassing citations. Six were arrested for disorderly conduct during a disruption at a committee hearing. Unlike Monday, protesters left willingly when the Capitol closed at 5:30 p.m.
After compiling reports on Monday night’s demonstration at the Capitol in Olympia, the WSP says a total of six troopers were injured in clashes with protesters, five more than first reported.
The patrol estimated costs at $96,000 – $76,000 in straight time, $12,000 in overtime and $8,000s in travel costs for troopers from outside Olympia. (AP)
