Suspect arrested after causing nearly $250,000 in damage at Chihuly Garden and Glass

SEATTLE — Police say a man caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after breaking into Chihuly Garden and Glass and attacking security guards late Monday night.

Officers with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) responded to Seattle Center around 11 p.m. after receiving reports of a man smashing glass and attempting to stab security staff.

According to investigators, security guards encountered the suspect while patrolling the museum. Police say the man had already broken glass displays and began throwing shards at one guard while attempting to stab him multiple times. The guard was able to escape without injury and waited for officers to arrive.

“[The suspect] had broken the glass, he actively threw glass at the security guard and was actively trying to stab that security guard multiple times with the piece of glass,” SPD Det. Brian Pritchard said. “Security was able to break away, leave the area for his safety.”

Video from the scene shows officers rushing toward the museum as the situation unfolded.

Shards of glass were scattered throughout the property, and the damage is estimated at nearly $250,000.

“It’s ridiculous. I don’t know why people can’t just let nice things stand,” said Bonnie O’Brien, who was visiting from Arizona. “It’s art for everyone to enjoy—it doesn’t hurt anybody.”

Despite the destruction, museum officials said crews were able to clean up the damage quickly, and the museum reopened as scheduled the following day. Visitors reported they did not notice any closed-off areas or visible signs of the incident.

“Really sad, disappointed that somebody would damage some of that artwork,” said Brian Dugan, visiting from Oklahoma.

Police arrested the 40-year-old suspect, identified as Alexander Taylor Weis, at the scene. Authorities say he later refused to appear in court, but a judge found probable cause to hold him in custody on charges including burglary, assault, and a dozen counts of malicious mischief.

According to the initial arrest report, the suspect damaged 12 items valued at approximately $20,000 each.

“There’s really no words,” said Gary Rockafield, another visitor. “The time and effort it takes to make these things and put them on display just to have someone come in and do that.”

Museum officials say the damaged artwork has been removed and is expected to be replaced in the coming weeks.

Investigators have not yet said how the suspect was able to enter the museum. Museum officials also declined to comment on whether any security changes will be made following the incident.