Anti-Vax Mandate Rally Draws Thousands to Capitol in Olympia Sunday

Citing personal freedom, both the US and State Constitutions, and other protection laws, thousands of workers rallied on Sunday on the steps of the Capitol in Olympia to protest Gov. Inslee's controversial vaccine mandate.

Monday, Oct. 4, is the last day to begin the regimen with Pfizer or Maderna vaccines, and be compliant by Oct. 18th, which is the 'get the shot or get fired' deadline from the Governor. They require two doses. Those getting Johnson and Johnson only get one shot.

Most of the workers were state-affiliated, healthcare and education workers, those who are affected by this mandate.

It's estimated as much as 10 percent of the Washington State Patrol staff, including some troopers, will resign over the mandate. Numerous smaller counties are facing as much as 20-30 percent loss of firefighters and EMS workers, although they're volunteer, they're also mandated. Many have said they will leave.

Numerous other nurses and educators are also said to be considering leaving.

The rally took place from 1-4 PM on the steps of and around the Capitol. Gov. Inslee has already blinked once over this mandate, striking a 'delay' deal with King County Union Workers giving them nearly an additional month to get vaccinated.

Get our free mobile app

But this, so far, has not been extended statewide. As we get closer to Oct. 18th it will be interesting to see if the state actually fires workers.

Over 4500 have applied for religious exemptions. Many, including a number with the WSP, have been denied. Internal emails from earlier this summer show Inslee's staff was instructed to make the exemptions as "narrow" (difficult) as possible on purpose.