Secretary of State staffer Patrick McDonald, who's in charge of security, just sent out this email to legislative building staff:

From: McDonald, Patrick
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 3:22 PM
To: Legislative Bldg - All
Cc:
Subject: Heads Up - Security Issue
Importance: High

Just a heads up. The State Patrol has informed us of a possible sit-in demonstration by students at the Evergreen State College along with some ancillary folks concerning tuition hikes and cuts to social programs. There is not much known except that if they do show up they want to have a “sit-in” in the “lobby of the state capitol.” While we may think this is the rotunda – it is thought by the WSP to be the lobby of the Governor’s office. It is anticipated this will begin at 4:30 p.m. today (Feb 3).

This may have no bearing on our operations. But if it looks problematic, the front door will be closed and locked and you will be asked to take the elevator. If you don’t hear any updates – then the situation is a non-issue.

More to come…..

Patrick

The Evergreen students would be following up a more formal rally on the Capitol steps earlier today to protest higher-ed cuts.