Repairs to the Washington State Capitol following the Oct. 5 break-in and arson could cost between $623,000 and more than $914,000, according to new estimates from the state Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The updated figures reflect extensive damage to historic artifacts, architectural finishes, and state property throughout the Legislative Building.
The estimates do not include sales tax.
Gunnar Schubert, who recently served as a sergeant-at-arms for the WA State Democratic Party convention, was arrested for breaking into & vandalizing the WA State Capitol, including burning an American flag.
WSP says he was in a mental health crisis.pic.twitter.com/t9azdl5MHc
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) October 9, 2025
The incident unfolded late on Oct. 5, when Gunnar Schubert, who had recently served as a sergeant-at-arms for the Washington State Democratic Party convention, broke into the Capitol, vandalized multiple areas, and set fire inside the State Reception Room before being apprehended by the Washington State Patrol. Troopers say Schubert broke into the building using two hammers, damaged busts and flags on the third floor, destroyed equipment as he moved through the halls, and ultimately started a fire that scorched the historic teak floor and other irreplaceable features of the building. Investigators have stated there is no indication of political motivation and believe Schubert was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
Gunnar Schubert, who was arrested for vandalizing the WA State Capitol, including burning an American flag, posted this video from @washdems chair @ShastiConrad thanking him for serving as a sergeant-at-arms for the party's convention
WSP says he was in a mental health crisis pic.twitter.com/ArXaqdjIIr
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) October 9, 2025
Schubert was charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree arson, and first-degree malicious mischief. Following his first court appearance, Judge Chris Lanese ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation to determine whether he should be sent to an involuntary treatment facility. Before his arrest, Schubert was known as a former Gonzaga Bulldogs shortstop who played in 2017 and 2018 and was later drafted by the Miami Marlins as the 837th pick in the 2018 MLB draft before being released.
The destruction inside the Capitol was extensive. DES reported damage to windows, marble surfaces, architectural finishes, historic busts, and numerous fixtures and devices throughout the building. The State Reception Room suffered some of the worst damage, including harm to its historic teak floor, drapes, rug, and piano. DES crews have already replaced shattered glass, removed burn marks from the marble stairs in the Rotunda, repaired the broken elevator card reader, cleared debris, and secured the building. Additional restoration will require specialized preservation experts due to the historic significance of the affected materials.
“As the steward of the historic Capitol Campus’ buildings and artifacts, DES has worked diligently to reopen spaces and ensure the safety of everyone who visits and works here,” said DES Director Matt Jones. He added that the agency will work closely with preservation partners to identify options that responsibly use state resources as repairs continue. The State Reception Room is not expected to reopen until the 2026 legislative session due to the complexity of the restoration work.
On Nov. 12, DES filed insurance claims under two state policies, one covering Capitol contents and another covering fine art. Until insurance reimbursement is determined, repairs are being funded through DES’s operating budget. The agency has also submitted its damage assessments to the Washington State Patrol and the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for use in the ongoing criminal case against Schubert.