About 300 demonstrators from Patriot Prayer and a variety of groups came to the capitol to see the legislative meeting to vent their opinions about restrictions and about the election.

But they were thwarted and disturbed when they found out that they couldn’t get in to listen to a special session on pandemic relief and virus restrictions, that the session had been closed to the public allegedly because of virus restrictions. Unless a session is a work session, it’s required to be open to the public. But only lawmakers, some staff and reporters were permitted inside the building.

Protesters then tried to push their way into the building but were stopped by state troopers and members of the Salem Police Department. Some of the protesters were armed with rifles or pistols which are legal to carry on the grounds in Oregon but there were no reports of anyone using or pointing them.

At one point police drew back and some of the crowd was able to enter the building. But then the police declared an unlawful assembly and there are reports of them using a deterrent which may have been pepper spray.

Here’s some of the video from the encounter. The “blue tear gas” wasn’t tear gas.

Oregon State Police have deployed blue tear gas at protesters standing at the entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. Most scattered away from the doors, but remain on the grounds. #SalemOR #orleg pic.twitter.com/TRdH1S590C

— Virginia Barreda (@vbarreda2) December 21, 2020

A pair of protesters have unlocked the fence blocking the entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. pic.twitter.com/2y7HxRPT99

— Virginia Barreda (@vbarreda2) December 21, 2020

Oregon Trump supporters are trying to force their way into the state capitol building. Building closed to public.

Capitol police on scene blocking doors. #orleg pic.twitter.com/kgcbx1FYZv

— Tim A. Gruver (@T_TimeForce) December 21, 2020

Protestors at State Capitol this morning demanding authorities open up the building as Special Session begins.#fox12Oregon pic.twitter.com/2QSa9DK6dS

— Marilyn Deutsch (@marilyndeutsch) December 21, 2020

The protesters removed tarp that was covering a bas relief sculpture which had previously been vandalized.

There is no indication that anyone used or pointed any of the weapons but the same people who have justified and saw no problem with Antifa melted down over the fact that these folks were armed.

Two people were arrested when they refused to leave the building.