Three peaceful demonstrations in Olympia days after shooting involving Proud Boys

OLYMPIA, Wash. — There have been several demonstrations going on Saturday in western Washington, two of them were happening in Olympia just days after a shooting took place there involving the Proud Boys.

Laurie Johnson owns Courtyard Antique Mall right in the heart of downtown Olympia and got the notice from the city letting her know something would be going down outside city hall.

“We just kind of always hope for the best because you never know after the last year we’ve had,” Johnson said.

Because it was not too long ago there was a shooting at the intercity transit station in Olympia after police said members of the proud boys were pursuing people allied with antifa and a fight broke out.

We've been tracking the preparations this week to see if the city was well equipped to handle any potential violence today.

Outside Olympia City Hall, about 30 or proud boy members and supporters came together for a protest with no opposing side to go against them.

All while police were waiting in the wings should something escalate.

For Johnson, she's happy things didn't get to a point where law enforcement had to get involved.

“The less activity we have the better it is for us,” Johnson said.

Down the street a couple hundred folks were protesting outside the state capitol but this one was focused on opposing any sort of vaccine mandate to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

“I don’t think we should be forced into any medical treatment,” said Scott Sohler, who traveled from Tri-Cities to protest.

Only a handful of people there were wearing masks, while standing on the side of the road waving signs and hearing from the cars who support their cause.

Despite what happened with that shooting at the transit center, there wasn't a police presence at this demonstration, but like the other protest, things remained rather calm and business owners like Johnson hope it stays that way.

“It’s just really important that it’s peaceful and that everyone respects everybody and that it’s a safe time for everybody downtown,” Johnson said.

Johnson hopes that seeing protests that don't escalate will incentivize more people to come downtown to shop at some of these businesses.