Multiple Arrests Made as Election Night Unrest Hits Seattle
Unrest stalked the streets of Seattle on Tuesday night as demonstrators defied police orders and demanded their way.
At least eight people had been arrested as of 10:20 p.m. local time, according to The Seattle Times.
Police shadowed groups of marchers throughout the evening as a tactic to limit violence while allowing demonstrations.
Officers intervened when demonstrators blocked roadways or dumped nails on the city’s streets.
Officers have provided multiple additional public safety warnings to the group. Individuals have continued to put items in roadway, including nails. One person arrested.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) November 4, 2020
Police arrested one individual who damaged a parking meter with a hammer.
Although many marchers vented their hatred of President Donald Trump, some said they did not expect a Joe Biden presidency would change very much.
“Voting creates a sense of political legitimacy when there are so many people incarcerated in this country who can’t vote at all,” a female protester identified only as Max told The Times.
“If Biden wins, it will put a lot of people into complacency,” Max said of the Democratic nominee. “They’ll think the fight is over — people think they have power voting, but I think we’ve had more power out in the streets.”
The Washington State Patrol closed approaches to Interstate 5 and then reopened them later in the evening.
Group of roughly 250 returns to the small hill at the north end of Capitol Hill chanting, “Black Lives Matter!” and “Antifa!” Things calm for the time being at this #seattleprotest on #ElectionNight pic.twitter.com/eaTaZAPIgA
— Elizabeth Turnbull (@LizTurnbull5) November 4, 2020
Officers issued a dispersal order to a group at Broadway/Pine. Group now moving south on Broadway.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) November 4, 2020
“We will support the continued demonstration,” a police officer told the crowd at one point. “However, any acts of violence, property destruction or acts against officers will result in us taking action, making arrests or potentially using chemical agents or less-lethal munitions. This could result in significant injury.”
Demonstrations included speakers who called for an end to police funding and for funds to be showered upon black-led community groups.
Some called for continued demonstrations.
#Seattleprotest #seattleprotests #seattleprotestscomms #seattle #Election2020
With Trump declaring victory tonight, I hope everyone is ready to pour into the streets! If we want to stop him from stealing the election, a sustained struggle is the only way pic.twitter.com/27pCWM1yOA
— T ☂️ (@AnarchoSeattle) November 4, 2020
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan blamed Trump for any violence that might happen in her city, according to KCPQ-TV.
“In one of the most challenging years in our city’s history, we have a president that has consistently incited hate, fear, and violence,” the Democrat said. “This is why my office has been closely coordinating with the Governor, County Executive, and City departments for a safe and secure Election Day and planning for the days that follow.”
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