OLYMPIA, Wash. — Two opposing groups connected to an anti-vaccination demonstration in Olympia were linked to a shooting and possible assault Saturday afternoon.
The two groups are reportedly connected to Portland-based Proud Boys and Antifa, according to the city manager's office. When they met in an area near the Intercity Transit Station, a verbal argument escalated into a fight.
That fight then led to a member of one of the groups shooting an opposing group member in the ankle, according to the city.
Police were aware of the demonstration and were monitoring the movement of the groups.
After taking control of the scene, officers provided medical care to the shooting victim until paramedics arrived. The injury is not life-threatening. The shooting victim is cooperating with police.
The investigation into the shooting continues. Anyone with information about the circumstances around the shooting can contact crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Meanwhile, police are asking for additional information on social media reports of a woman being chased and assaulted in downtown in connection to the demonstration. The Proud Boys group was allegedly involved. However, police have not received a report about the alleged assault.
If anyone witnessed the reported assault or experienced an assault as a result of Saturday’s activities, they are asked to call dispatch at 360-704-2740.
"We are deeply disappointed and angry at these violations of our city’s hospitality and of our resident’s sense of peace and safety. Attacks on people in our community are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will investigate, and the ones found responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," a statement from the city manager's office reads.