Washington state lawmakers convened in Olympia to the sight of chainlink fences, soldiers, and a wall of protesters as they began the 2021 legislative session on Monday.

The day saw masked state lawmakers all enter the legislature single file with six feet in between them per the state’s pandemic rules as 100 or more supporters of President Donald Trump protested against the closure of the building to the public outside.

Under state law, the legislature must convene in person to adopt rules allowing them to conduct virtual work.

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