2 protests against state’s COVID-19 response planned for WA Capitol Campus on Saturday
Two large gatherings will descend on the Capitol Campus on Saturday, causing noise and impacting traffic in the area.
A so-called “GRIT” rally protesting the state’s COVID-19 response will start at noon and run three hours, according to a news release from the state Department of Enterprise Services. The rally will occur on the South Lawn near the Tivoli Fountain.
Organizers for the event, known as the Coalition of Patriot Organizations, estimate 2,500 will attend, per a state calendar of events. A website for the event says the “family friendly” event will feature speakers, a convoy, food, music and booths.
The state expects another, non-permitted event, to draw a “number of large vehicles” to West Campus in the afternoon, the release says. Some have described that event as a “trucker convoy.”
As a result, some parts of the campus will be closed or limited by traffic control measures.
Washington State Patrol is prepared for Saturday, spokesman Chris Loftis told Fox 13 news.
“WSP will work with Capitol security and visitor services, as well as local law enforcement, to have appropriate service and response capacity so all campus users enjoy a safe visit as well as their protected rights of free speech and assembly,” he said.
The state says the North and South diagonals along with the Flag Circle will be closed. The west portion of Cherry Lane and Water Street will be closed behind the Temple of Justice as well.
Only authorized vehicles will be permitted to access west of Cherry Lane and Water Street, per the release.
A similar event drew as many as 3,000 people to the Capitol Campus on Oct. 3. Participants in that event protested Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for state workers, The Olympian previously reported.
This story was originally published March 3, 2022 at 9:27 AM with the headline "2 protests against state’s COVID-19 response planned for WA Capitol Campus on Saturday."
