UPDATE: October 9 at 7:00 pm.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – New details have emerged about the break-in at the Washington State Capitol building.
Police said the suspect, Gunnar Schubert, not only broke into the building but also damaged a 19th-century piano with significant historical ties to Spokane.
According to the Washington State Historical Society, the piano was built in 1893.
It was brought from Germany to Spokane in 1938 by the founder of the Spokane Conservatory.
After his death in 1987, the piano was gifted to Washington state and has been prominently displayed at the Capitol for over three decades.
A recent damage assessment revealed that the piano suffered light smoke damage and cosmetic damage to its front. The bench associated with the piano was destroyed.
Despite the charges, Schubert has been released from jail without bail.
UPDATE: October 6 at 2:41 p.m.
NonStop Local’s Bradley Warren sat down with Washington House Majority Floor Speaker Monica Stonier to discuss the break-in and vandalism at the state Capitol overnight.
Stonier confirmed that several flags and statues in the Capitol rotunda were damaged, and a fire was set.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Bob Ferguson announced on social media that the Legislative Building at the Washington State Capitol was broken into and damaged overnight. A suspect has been arrested.
Specifically, there was “significant damage” reported in the State Reception Room, which is the formal receiving area and meeting place for visiting foreign dignitaries.
“We have the most beautiful Capitol in the country,” Ferguson wrote. ” I am grateful for the quick work of our Department of Enterprise Services and the Washington State Patrol to bring this individual safely into custody.”
Washington Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins also released a statement on the break-in.
“Last night, an intruder broke into the Legislative Building in Olympia and caused damage to the Rotunda, State Reception Room, and various flags through vandalism and fire. This attack on our state Capitol building is deeply troubling to me, and House and Senate leadership are working closely with law enforcement and Capitol security to fully investigate the incident, assess the extent of the damage, and ensure the building remains a safe and secure space for everyone.
“Washington’s historic Capitol is more than just a building — it is the people’s house, and it must always be a place where legislators, staff, and the public feel safe carrying out the important work of democracy. While this act of destruction is disturbing, we will not be deterred. The people’s work will continue, and our commitment to transparency, safety, and service remains unwavering.”
This is a developing story.
This article was updated on October 6 at 11:38 a.m. with statement from Speaker Jinkins.
