Which historic items were damaged in WA Capitol break-in? See initial assessment
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- DES published initial damage assessment after intruder damaged State Capitol.
- Notable burns and physical harm hit flags, busts, rug, drapery and piano.
- DES is cataloguing damage, securing items, enlisting preservation experts.
Multiple historical artifacts were damaged in the domed state Capitol building after an intruder broke in and engaged in a spree of destruction on Sunday night.
Now the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has published an initial damage assessment, including the items that were destroyed.
The suspect, 29-year-old Gunnar McLean Schubert, was arrested after allegedly breaking into the Legislative Building, toppling flags and busts, and setting fire to certain objects. His motive remains unknown. Schubert was booked into the Thurston County Jail and was released Monday with conditions but no bail.
DES noted that “significant damage” was done to the State Reception Room, which acts as a symbol of Washington’s democracy.
An initial security-footage review and assessment of the area indicated the following damage, according to DES.
Rotunda damaged in WA Capitol break-in
Video surveillance showed the suspect walking through the Rotunda, where he tossed county flags off raised areas and dragged away stanchions that surrounded the state seal in the middle of the floor.
DES reports that:
- Marble floor surface damage was minor.
- The state seal suffered minor scratches.
- There was a small section of burn damage on the Rotunda stairs, as well as some cracks and chips.
- The Columbia County flag has been burned.
- Bases of other county flags have minor scratches from being thrown down.
Capitol intruder damages State Reception Room
On the way to the State Reception Room on the third floor, the intruder toppled commemorative busts.
DES says that the:
- George Washington bust has some chips and cracks to both the column and bust, and the pedestal has chipped wood. Scuffs and surface damage mar the bronze.
- Martin Luther King Jr. bust withstood light damage to the statue plus damage to its base, as well as a “scratch on marble floor in front of the bust,” according to DES.
After entering the State Reception Room, the instruder set fire to multiple items.
DES notes that the:
- Washington state and U.S. flags were destroyed by fire.
- Circa-1928 chenille rug has significant smoke and fire damage.
- Piano saw cosmetic and light smoke damage to the front of its surface facing a non-historic bench, which was “burnt beyond repair.”
- Original teak floor was damaged by fire.
- Historic glass entry door was smashed.
- There was notable burn damage to the original mohair drapery and tieback.
- Lingering smells of smoke and burn remain in the room.
In addition, the suspect damaged an elevator’s electronic card reader.
What will repairs to WA Capitol cost?
As of now, DES says that the price of repairs is unknown. But the department is enlisting experts in historic preservation and material to understand the scope of the damage and necessary repairs. An update will be shared when a full estimate is ready.
In the meantime, DES is working to ensure the building is available to the public, and that it is safe. The elevator digital card reader has been fixed, broken glass removed and damaged historic items gathered and catalogued.
Security monitoring has been heightened, and air purifiers were set out to help remove smoke.
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 11:42 AM.
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