Rep. Mike Nearman, a Republican from Independence, opened a door to the Capitol during a Dec. 21 special legislative session, allowing demonstrators seeking to disrupt proceedings to illegally enter the building. Several dozen demonstrators — including some carrying rifles — tried throughout the day to break into the Capitol and physically attacked journalists who were reporting on the event.
At least one person was arrested after trying to enter the Capitol by breaking the window in a door. People also gained entrance without breaking in — and this security footage shows exactly how. Oregon’s Capitol was and is closed to the public due to the pandemic, although journalists are allowed inside to report on proceedings.
