On Monday, December 21st, Oregon Governor convened the 3rd Special Session of the 80th legislative assembly to review five Bills related to COVID-19. At approximately 8:30am, a group of people attempted to enter and protest current COVID-19 closures and restrictions inside the Oregon State Capitol.
The Oregon State Capitol is closed due to COVID-19 precautions. The Oregon State Capitol had set up televisions outside of the building for people to monitor the proceedings inside.
After Oregon State Police Troopers had checked and secured the doors to the Capitol, several protesters were able to enter the vestibule area when a door on the northwest corner of the building was opened by a person exiting the building. There they were contacted by Troopers and asked to leave. After Troopers met the protestors at the vestibule area and attempted to keep them from entering the main area of the Capitol, the situation became physical with some pushing.
A protester then sprayed some kind of chemical irritant as in mace or bear spray into the vestibule, Oregon State Police Troopers and the Salem Police were able to keep the crowd contained in the vestibule.
OSP Troopers and Salem Police gave everyone in the vestibule several warnings to leave or they would be arrested for trespassing. At approximately 10:30am, a protester again sprayed a chemical irritant at police and a smoke emitting device was deployed which emitted smoke during the engagement.
Police arrested 41 year old Ryan Lyles for felon in possession of body armor and unlawful use of mace. Two people remained in the vestibule and 75 year old Ronald Vanvlack and 53 year old Jerry Dyerson were arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass and Disorderly Conduct.
At approximately 1:30pm, the crowd again attempted to gain entry through a door on the west side of the Capitol. The window to the door was broken, but the building was not accessed. Police arrested 35 year old Jeremiah Pruitt (35) for Criminal Mischief and Disorderly Conduct.
All arrested were lodged at the Marion County Jail and charges will be referred to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.
