March 6—The Washington State Patrol (WSP) arrested four people, including a juvenile, for assaulting troopers during a rally and protest at Heritage Park on Saturday, March 4.

WSP Troopers were at the event to protect the safety of the public and also to protect the first amendment rights of the groups.  The event was a permitted “Spirit of America” demonstration held at Heritage Park, located on the Capitol Campus.  A counter-demonstration was also present in the park.

While trying to contact a suspect for the destruction of Department of Enterprise Services’ property, a trooper was punched in the face by a protester. The assaulted trooper sustained minor injuries and broken eyeglasses.

Another protester wrapped his arms around a trooper’s neck.  A third protester jumped onto the back of another trooper who was trying to pull protesters off the original injured trooper.

A fourth trooper had an unknown substance thrown at his face by a protester. As a precautionary measure, that trooper self-transported to the hospital to be evaluated by medical personnel.

All four arrestees, three males and one female, were transported to the Thurston County Jail to be booked for assault on an officer.

The Washington State Patrol estimates about 200 people attended the permitted event and about 125 protesters were at the park.

*Photo courtesy SeattlePI.com