Pro-Trump demonstrators break through gate at Governor Inslee's mansion

Protesters break through gate at Gov. Inslee’s mansion

On Wednesday, pro-Trump supporters broke through a locked gate at the governor's mansion in Olympia.

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Pro-Trump protesters broke through a gate at the Washington state governor’s mansion Wednesday afternoon and dozens of people gathered on the lawn.

The crowd, some of whom were armed, touted repeated unfounded allegations of election fraud and it came the same day pro-Trump protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Via Twitter, the State Patrol said authorities were responding and that Gov. Jay Inslee "and his family are in a safe location." Authorities wouldn’t say exactly where the governor was. The crowd was cleared from the mansion area after about 30 minutes.

Crowd breaks fence at Washington governor’s mansion

Pro-Trump protesters broke through a gate at the Washington state governor’s mansion Wednesday afternoon and dozens of people gathered on the lawn.

Earlier dozens of people had gathered at state Capitol, demanding a recount of the U.S presidential election and Washington’s gubernatorial election, which the Democrat Inslee won by more than 500,000 votes.

A patrol spokesman later said that no arrests were made, but that investigations related to trespassing and the broken gate would occur and if it was determined that charges should be made, those would be passed on to prosecutors.

Sgt. Darren Wright said the determination to not make arrests in the moment stemmed in part from the calculus that "If you make one arrest that could agitate the crowd and make things worse."

A militia group has already said it has plans to occupy the Capitol when the Legislature meets to convene its 105-day legislative session, a sentiment that was expressed by several of those gathered outside the governor’s residence.

Pro-Trump protesters break through gate to Governor’s mansion

Protesters went up to the property, but not inside, according to WSP. WSP said Gov. Jay Inslee was not in danger.

Gov. Inslee released a video statement Monday evening, addressing protests at the state and nation's Capitol, and thanked local law inforcement for their quick response.

Inslee also called on Republicans to "do some soul searching" amidst the certification of the presidential election.

"It’s time to stop pandering to falsehoods. This is about more than one failed presidency: Everyone has a role to play in getting disinformation out of our civic discourse. Together, that spirit will lead to successful efforts here in our state’s capital and in our nation’s capital," Inslee said.

The Capitol building will remain closed to the public and lobbyists due to the pandemic, and lawmakers will do their work through a mix of virtual meetings and on-site votes, but police are planning for people to attempt to enter the building when staff or others do.

Officials with the Washington State Patrol said that there will be a substantial law enforcement presence at the Capitol next week, and that there have been days of planning to ensure things go smoothly.

"We urge the public to remain calm in these troubled and troubling times," Wright said. "We remind visitors that while your rights to free speech are honored and protected you do not have the right to commit illegal acts.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.